Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavs Seek Bounce-Back Win vs. Injury-Plagued Utah Jazz
Following a heartbreaking loss in their last matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks and star Luka Doncic continue their pursuit for success in the Western Conference on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.
"We had guys out [and] it was a tough game, but we came back and almost won it," Doncic said after the game. "I’m really sad we couldn't win it."
Coming just short of a comeback behind a 30-0 run versus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are hoping to get back on track against a depleted Utah Jazz squad before heading back on the road.
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Missing both Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. in Saturday's near-comeback, the hope is that a hobbled Mavs squad with five players on the injury report can have better health after a three-day layoff. Fortunately for Dallas, the Jazz head into town with similar injury problems.
With Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen not making it off the injury report, the Jazz scoring attack will mainly consist of forward John Collins (14.4 points per game) and guard Collin Sexton (12.6 points per game). Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is expected to play just a few days removed from putting up a 36/15/18 stat line following the birth of his daughter.
In a battle between two injury-plagued squads, the Mavs are desperate to get back in the win column after dropping their last two games, so expect them to come out inspired in this one.
Injury Report: Dallas Mavericks:
- Kyrie Irving (QUESTIONABLE-foot)
- Tim Hardaway Jr. (QUESTIONABLE-back)
- Grant Williams (QUESTIONABLE-knee)
- Josh Green (OUT-elbow)
- Maxi Kleber (OUT-toe)
Utah Jazz:
- Lauri Markkanen (OUT- hamstring)
- Jordan Clarkson (OUT-thigh)
- Kelly Olynyk (OUT-shouder)
- Kris Dunn (OUT-personal)
Records: Dallas Mavericks (11-8), Utah Jazz (7-13)
Where: American Airlines Arena (Dallas, TX)
When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 7:30 CT
TV: NBA League Pass
Radio: 97.1 The Freak
Odds: Mavericks -8.5
Next Up: The Mavericks head on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers, another team they should be able to beat handily if all goes according to plan.
Final Word: "I’m so sad we didn’t win this game, but we gave a big effort," Doncic said on Saturday. "This team today was impressive in the 3rd and 4th quarter. We just got to play like this more times and we’re going to win a lot of games."
