3 things to think about before the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Utah Jazz

On the second night of a back to back, the Dallas Mavericks head to Utah to play the Jazz for the fourth and final time this season.

Due to a weird scheduling quick, Dallas played Utah three times in the first 14 games. They went 1-2 in the contests but the one win was a 50 point blow out at home. The Mavericks are on the fringe of the fringe of the playoff hunt, teetering towards obscurity.

After a rough start to the season, Utah’s bounced back but any loss at this point in the season sets them back in the standings. The Jazz are also on the second night of a back to back.

Is Luka Doncic going to play?

Doncic missed just his third game of the season last night against the Denver Nuggets after a game time decision due to a sore ankle. If Luka’s actually injured, it might be best for him to take another day.

Will the Jazz hold a grudge?

The aforementioned 50 point drubbing occurred way back on November 14th and 53 of the Mavericks 118 points were scored by players who aren’t on the team anymore or who can’t play tomorrow night (Barea). The other two match ups were fairly testy as well, so it’s worth wondering if Utah plays with an extra edge.

If they do, Dallas has Mejri to mix things up a bit.

Are you going to be able to stay up?

Late games are the WORST. Or I am OLD. Or... both?

At any rate, these West coast road trips are rough. Dallas is playing a road game on the second night of a back to back, so as tired as I will feel tuning in at 9 pm CST for a tip off that’s really closer to a 9:15, the Mavericks had to hop on a plane after a surprisingly hard fought game against Denver.

So everyone have an afternoon cup of coffee because we might need it to stay up until just before midnight.

How to watch

9 p.m. Central, FSSW or NBA League Pass