The Hive Sports

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Isaac Hale of AP Photo

The Utah Jazz (7-13) takes on the Dallas Mavericks (11-8) in their short one-game road trip.

What to Look For

In their first meeting of the season, these teams are coming in with different mindsets. Dallas is coming in losing two of their last three homes, the last one notably had a 30-0 run to bring Dallas within striking distance but failed to get the win. Utah won their previous game before they got a three-day break but have lost four of their last five road games. Both teams will be looking to turn things around, but it may be difficult given the circumstances with their rosters.

With Utah having a majority of their star power out with injuries, they will be leaning into their bench unit, which is fourth in the league in scoring this season (41.8 PPG). Players such as Talen Horton-Tucker and Collin Sexton will need to focus and become leaders for this unit. With the two of them averaging a combined four turnovers per game, they will need to focus on finding the open man rather than focusing on creating a highlight.

Dallas on the other hand received great news this morning as both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kyrie Irving were both removed from the injury report. The two combined for an average of 40.4/7.5/7.1 while both shooting for a combined 43.9 percent from the field.

Key of the Game

Luka Doncic. Doncic will get his stats one way or another. In the 18 games that have been played, Doncic has only had one game this season where he scored less than 20 points, but even then, he had 18/7/10. Looking at those numbers, it may look like Doncic is playing a near flawless game, but then turnovers come into play. In 12 of the 18 games played, Doncic has committed three or more turnovers with his most recent performance committing seven. With this known factor, it would be in Utah’s best interest to have Keyonte George start alongside with Kris Dunn. Between the chemistry and the pressure these two apply on defense, this will be the focal point of slowing down Doncic.

Injury Report

Dallas – Josh Green (elbow) Out, Maxi Kleber (toe) Out, Grant Williams (knee) Questionable

Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Jordan Clarkson (thigh) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) Out, Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out, Brice Sensabaugh (G League) Out

Where to Watch

Tip-off will be at 6:30 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.