Mavericks vs. Jazz: NBA DFS Picks Today for PrizePicks
We have just one game on Thursday’s NBA slate and that’s between the Jazz and Mavericks. Below, we’ll preview the Jazz vs. Mavericks showdown, including the top NBA DFS picks on PrizePicks.
It hasn’t been the ideal start to the season for the Mavericks who are under .500 over these first few weeks. They are looking to get things right, and that starts against a Utah Jazz team who are at the bottom of the Western Conference and one of the worst teams in the league.
These two teams faced off earlier this year on October 28, with the Mavericks defeating the Jazz, 110-102, in Dallas.
PrizePicks is the easiest way to get real money action on the NBA. Just pick more or less on player projections like the ones highlighted below to win real money when the games are finished.
NBA Picks & Predictions for Mavericks vs. Jazz
Find NBA DFS projections and PrizePicks NBA picks for the Mavericks vs. Jazz game today.
- Mavericks vs. Jazz Preview for NBA DFS
- Mavericks C Daniel Gafford: 17.5 Pts+Rebs — More
- Jazz F Lauri Markkanen: 1.5 3-Pt Made (Goblin) — More
- Mavericks G Luka Doncic: 9.5 Assists (Demon) — More
Mavericks vs. Jazz: Time, How to Watch, Location
Time: 9 p.m. ET
How to Watch: NBA TV
Location: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
This game should be very fantasy friendly for plenty of Mavericks players, with the Jazz ranking as the best team in terms of average fantasy score given up to opposing players. Utah is top-five in fantasy points allowed to point guard (fifth), shooting guard (first), and centers (second).
The Jazz allow the fifth-most points per game in the league and are seventh in the league in pace, which will allow for more possessions for a team like Dallas, which ranks 16th in pace.
There are some notable injuries from the last time these two teams played, such as the Jazz frontcourt duo of Taylor Hendricks and Walker Kessler. Mavericks forward PJ Washington is also a game-time decision, so that is some news to keep an eye on.
Mavericks C Daniel Gafford: 17.5 Pts+Rebs — More
Mavericks center Daniel Gafford should enjoy a great matchup against John Collins with Jazz starting center Walker Kessler ruled out. Utah centers are top-six or worse in points, rebounds, and assists to opposing centers.
In the last meeting, Gafford was only able to corral 16 points and rebounds but had to deal with both Hendricks and Kessler. Teammate Derrick Lively was able to take advantage of those minutes against Collins in that last matchup, corralling 18 points and rebounds.
The elite centers of the league like Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis dominated the points and rebounds category against Utah. Other centers such as Nikola Vucevic, Jay Huff, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Mason Plumlee also did quite well in an advantageous matchup.
With both of those players out for this game and getting Collins on him, this is huge upgrade for the 26-year-old in terms of who is guarding him on the defensive end. Expect him to take advantage.
Use Promo Code "Playbook": Get $50 instantly with your first $5 NBA Lineup
Jazz F Lauri Markkanen: 1.5 3-Pointers Made — More (Goblin)
The Mavericks are allowing the fourth-most three-pointers to opposing power forwards so far this season. In their last game, Lauri Markkanen had only five attempts but was efficient on those attempts hitting three.
In these first few weeks of the season, the Finn’s overall three-point volume has gone down compared to last season. Last year, Markkanen averaged eight three-pointers attempted. This year that’s down to five.
With John Collins getting inserted back into the starting lineup, that’s another player in that Jazz starting five who is looking to get shots up. Taking that into account along with Markkanen’s dip in three-point attempts, we’re going with the goblin here for Markkanen.
Note: Goblin projections have a reduced payout since they are easier to win.
Mavericks G Luka Doncic: 9.5 Assists — More (Demon)
So far this season, Luka Doncic has enjoyed his matchups against teams who give up plenty of assists to opposing point guards.
His two double-digit assist games came against the Chicago Bulls, allowing the most assists to opposing point guards. Then against the Indiana Pacers, at the time one of the teams who were allowing plenty of assists to opposing point guards before a big improvement since then.
He also had a nine-assist game against the Nuggets on Sunday. Only against the Orlando Magic has Doncic not been able to eclipse the mark of eight assists against teams who give up plenty of assists to opposing point guards.
In their meeting a few weeks ago, the Slovenian had eight assists. Expect Doncic to eat in this soft matchup.
Note: Demon projections have a reduced payout since they are harder to win.
Lock In Your NBA Lineups on PrizePicks
Even on a night like tonight with just one game, PrizePicks is still the easiest and best way to get real money action on NBA DFS.
There’s no salary or position restrictions like on other NBA DFS sites. On PrizePicks, just choose more or less on at least two player projections like the ones above and build your squad.
Use PrizePicks to build a Lineup of your NBA picks and check out the Playbook daily for more NBA picks.
More Resources from PrizePicks
More Fresh Picks & Insights
