NBA Game Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz
Only a week after their last meeting, the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz get ready for their second meeting this season. This time around, however, it’s the Mavericks turn to play the hosts, as the Jazz arrive at the American
Airlines Center to take on the Mavericks.
Lying just below the Western Conference toppers in the standings, the Mavericks are enjoying their longest winning (eleven-week, so far) streak this season. Enjoying a 2-0 win-loss mark this week, the Mavericks have enjoyed perfect
4-0 marks for the two consecutive weeks. Mavericks look to extend this streak as they take on the Jazz tonight.
Mavericks started this week with a five point victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Mavericks’ latest victory came on Thursday, when they hosted the New Jersey Nets. With excellent defence, Mavericks enjoyed a 13-point
victory over the Nets defeating them 102-89.
Talking about their win, Maverick’s forward Caron Butler said, "Well, give the credit to the defence. That's something we've honed in on since training camp. And we're doing a great job of capitalizing on that opportunity of playing
home games and winning home games."
Enjoying six straight wins at home, the Mavericks have held their opponents to an average 90.8 points over 41.2 percent shooting. Scoring a team high of 26 points with 67 percent shooting, Dirk Nowitzki helped break Jazz’s seven
game winning streak last Friday.
Currently at a 17-7 win loss mark, the Jazz are currently leading the Northwest division. After losing to the Mavericks last Friday, Jazz have alternated between a win and a loss this week.
Although their winning streak at home was halted, Jazz still enjoy a six-game winning streak on the road. Their last win on the road came last month, when they visited and defeated the Los Angeles Clippers. Enjoying a twelve-point
win, the Jazz defeated the Clippers 109-97.
Currently at a 2-1 mark this week, Jazz’s only loss this week came Wednesday when they lost to Miami Heat by a margin of thirteen points. They have enjoyed wins over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday and then against the Orlando
Magic last night.
A season-high score of 32 points by Deron Williams and 26 by C. J. Miles helped Jazz in their 117-105 victory over Magic last night.
Statistically, Mavericks’ impressive 10-3 at home along with a seven-game winning streak is easily matched by Jazz’s 7-2 on the road with a six-game winning streak. The only advantage the Mavericks may enjoy is psychological coupled
with the fact that they have defeated the Jazz once this season.
With their head-to-head stats currently at 1-0, it remains to be seen whether the Mavericks will be able to up this lead to 2-0 or whether the Jazz can extend their road wins and level the head-to-head score.
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