Dallas Mavericks Look to Rock the Jazz on the Road

The Dallas Mavericks are 1-6 and continue to find new and exciting ways to lose a game. Meanwhile, the 3-3 Utah Jazz are performing well to start the post Gordon Hayward era. Can Dallas take advantage of a team missing an offensive identity?

The Dallas Mavericks are still moving pieces around every game in hopes of finding a lineup and a rotation that works for the teams success. That success continues to escape Dallas, but the most recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers definitely looked like a step in the right direction.

Dallas has been utilizing Nerlens Noel in the starting lineup recently, a definite improvement to the 3 guard lineup that has been so heavily used by the Mavs over the past few years. It remains to be seen if this is a permanent change or if it is all matchup based, but Noel will be a welcome site against one of the best centers in the league tonight.

The Jazz have had an interesting season so far. They remain one of the strongest defensive teams in the league, but the loss of Hayward has been noticeable, as one would expect. Rodney Hood and Ricky Rubio have both stepped up, scoring around 15 ppg, while Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert, and Joe Ingles are all averaging double-digits as well.

Much like the Jazz, Dallas has relied on a team scoring effort all season. Led by Barnes’ 18.1 points per night, Dallas also benefits from double-digit scoring averages from Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., J.J. Barea, Yogi Ferrell, and Dirk Nowitzki. However, the Mavs defensive identity is not quite comparable to the Jazz.

DALLAS, TX – FEBRUARY 9: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on February 9, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Dirk Nowitzki hit a jumper with 2.8 seconds remaining to send the Jazz and Mavericks to overtime tied 100-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)

For a win tonight, the Dallas Mavericks will need to find a way to score points efficiently. The Jazz live and die by their defense and Dallas has struggled hitting shots consistently, shooting barely over 40% from the field and about 39% from three. Wes and J.J. have both shot the ball well, but Barnes needs to figure his shot out soon.

The biggest matchup concern for Dallas would have to be Gobert. Rubio, Hood, and even Donovan Mitchell are all players the Mavs should be able to find a solution for, but Gobert is so much bigger than Noel and so much quicker than Dirk that he could be a nightmare both scoring and rebounding the ball tonight. Foul trouble for Dallas may be a concern too.

One thing that will be interesting to watch for tonight will be Dirk’s performance. He is having a real struggle this year finding his shot and is definitely starting to look his age. However, Dirk has a long history of dominating Derrick Favors and the Utah Jazz in general. Could this game give his season a jump start?

Next: 3 Ways for Dallas to Enter Bledsoe Trade Talks

The Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz will tip-off a little bit later than usual tonight with an 8:00 central time start. As always, follow us on Twitter for live game updates and a post-game recap. Let’s go Mavs!

The Dallas Mavericks are 1-6 and continue to find new and exciting ways to lose a game. Meanwhile, the 3-3 Utah Jazz are performing well to start the post Gordon Hayward era. Can Dallas take advantage of a team missing an offensive identity?

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