The Dallas Mavericks (10–16) are in Salt Lake City Monday night to face the Utah Jazz (9–15) in the opener of a four-game season series. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM CT at the Delta Center. Dallas has won two straight — both at home — and now hits the road looking for something it hasn’t had much this year: a little rhythm.
Utah enters off a win as well, taking down Memphis 130–126 in a game where Lauri Markkanen poured in 35. The Jazz have talent, but they’ve also been wildly inconsistent — giving up
127.2 points per game over their last 10 contests. That’s the kind of opponent Dallas should be able to keep pace with, even short-handed.
Injuries remain a factor. Daniel Gafford and D’Angelo Russell are both game-time decisions. But Cooper Flagg has continued to steady the ship, and the Mavericks have quietly put together a 6–4 stretch with more flow and fewer turnovers. A win here would mean three straight — not something we’ve been able to say often this season.
Let’s scan the lines in search of value.
Game Fixtures
December 16, 2025 — Dallas Mavericks (10–16) at Utah Jazz (9–15)
Tipoff: 8:00 PM CT — Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
How To Watch: KFAA-TV, NBA League Pass
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 10:45 AM CST
Spread: DAL -1.5 (-112) / UTA +1.5 (-108)
Total: 239.5 (O -112 / U -108)
Moneyline: DAL -120 / UTA +100
Game Sides
Lean: Mavericks -1.5
Lean: Over 239.5
Dallas is starting to find just enough tempo and execution to sneak out wins, and they may be catching Utah at the right time. The Jazz have defensive problems — real ones — giving up nearly 130 a night across the last 10. Even if Gafford sits, the Mavericks have been competitive behind Flagg’s playmaking, Williams’ quickness, and just enough bench spark.
We lean over here too — as we expect the game to creep near the 120’s for one or both squads.
Player Props
Lauri Markkanen over 25.5 points (-115)
Markkanen’s averaged 25.8 points per game in December and 27.6 on the season as he is clear and away the number one option on the Jazz. He also represents the sort of three level scorer that can give Dallas fits in what should be an up-and-down affair.
Cooper Flagg over 19.5 points (-102)
Flagg has scored 20+ in four of his last six games and continues to find clean looks in the flow of the offense — not forcing, just reading and reacting. Utah’s defense ranks bottom five in efficiency, and with Kessler out, the interior protection has collapsed. That’s opened up driving lanes and second-chance scoring angles. If Davis is unable to go, Flagg’s shot volume could tick even higher. The rookie’s confidence is climbing, and this number still feels a point or two low.
