Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz Game 3 odds and best bet

These teams split the first couple of games in Dallas, which, depending on how you look at it, was a win for both sides.

For the Jazz, even though they were favored in both games they got a road win and "took" control of the series. They did not play especially well in either game so they have to like their chances of playing better at home and maintaining their advantage. 

For Dallas, All-Star Luka Doncic did not play in either game so the split was about as much as it could really hope for. Jalen Brunson really stepped up, and now the Mavs have to hope they can carry the momentum from their Game 2 win at home on the road. 

As this is being written, the status of Doncic is still questionable. He is certainly talented enough to be a savior, but it is a lot to ask him to go from rehab to elite immediately given his style of play.

Game Info

Dallas Mavericks (1-1) vs. Utah Jazz (1-1)
Thursday, April 21, 2022
9:00 PM ET
Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
NBA TV

Betting Odds

Spread: Mavericks +7 (-110), Jazz -7 (-110)
Total: 210.5
Moneyline: Mavericks +230, Jazz -280

Best Bet

Jazz -7

The lines for the games in Dallas were Utah -4.5 and -5 without Doncic in the lineup. This line is saying that even if he does play, he won't make a significant impact (or folks don't believe he will at all). Unfortunately for Dallas fans, I agree with that assessment.

If you look at the game the Mavericks did win, a couple of things stand out. The first is the awesome performance from Brunson, scoring 41 points, and the straight-eye shooting of forward Maxi Kleber, who made 8-of-11 from behind the arc, was the other. Both may be emerging players, but it took all of that to get a six-point win at home. Some regression has to be expected there given their statuses and the location of the game. 

On the flip side, Utah can expect some improvement from its last game, which saw top scorer Donovan Mitchell net 30+ while struggling and lead guard Mike Conley not make a single shot from the field (or score a single point). Both can be expected to show improvement for Game 3 tonight, which should make things more comfortable for the Jazz.

Doncic is one of the most exciting players in the game, and it is a shame we are not getting to see him in these playoffs with so many other young players playing so well. Per the intro, I am not high on his overall impact being significant tonight even if he does get on the floor. If he plays he will definitely be a target for the Jazz on offense, and even under the best of circumstances, his defense is not great. 

Also, a player like Brunson needs the ball in his hands when he is on the floor. If Doncic plays, Brunson has to defer to Luka, so his impact will not be as great either. He is just not a good enough shooter to space the floor yet. 

For entertainment's sake, I want to be wrong about Doncic, but taking the favored Jazz at home tonight is the play. Maybe wait to see if he suits up as you might get a better number.