Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 12/15/25, 5:46 PM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 12/16/25 at 12:00 AM in NBA Picks

The Utah Jazz welcome the Dallas Mavericks to the Delta Center tonight in a matchup that looks closer on paper than it might have a few weeks ago. Dallas has quietly steadied its season and is beginning to show the consistency that was missing earlier. The Mavericks have won five of their last six games and are 6-4 over their past ten, a stretch that includes back-to-back victories capped by a 119-111 home win over the Nets on Friday. That recent run suggests a team that is finding rhythm on both ends of the floor, even while dealing with significant absences.

Offensively, Dallas is averaging 112.2 points per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Those numbers are solid, though not overwhelming, but the more notable improvement has come defensively. The Mavericks are allowing 115.9 points per game on 46.1% shooting, which represents a level of control that has helped them stay competitive in close games. That defensive stability has been a key factor during this upswing and gives them a clearer identity heading into this road matchup.

Utah, meanwhile, has not been as steady but has shown enough fight to make this an interesting contest. The Jazz have won four of their last seven games and are coming off an emotional 130-126 road win against the Grizzlies on Friday. That victory showcased their offensive firepower and resilience late in games, qualities that can be magnified when they return home.

On the season, Utah is averaging 118.2 points per game on 45.5% shooting, but those numbers come with a significant downside. The Jazz are surrendering 125.8 points per game while allowing opponents to shoot 48.8%, a defensive profile that leaves little margin for error.