3 keys for Dallas Mavericks to defeat the Utah Jazz in potential playoff preview

Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic | Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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The Dallas Mavericks return home for a massive game against the Utah Jazz on March 27. Both teams are 45-29 entering the contest and tied for fourth in the Western Conference. Sunday’s contest might not only be for homecourt in the first round but a playoff series preview.

Luka Doncic and the Mavs will be looking to bounce back from a poor shooting performance in a blowout loss to the Timberwolves on Friday night. Utah has won two of the first three meetings against Dallas this season and will be looking to secure the season series at the American Airlines Center.

The Jazz have lost three straight and need to get back on track with just eight games remaining in the regular season. It is a crucial contest with massive implications for both teams, but how can the Mavs pick up the victory?

3 keys to the Dallas Mavericks defeating Utah Jazz in potential playoff preview

It will be interesting to see how the Jazz attempt to attack Luka and the Mavs on Sunday evening. The 23-year-old superstar carved their defense on his way to 35 points and seven dimes on March 7, but Utah worked their way back into the game in the fourth quarter by trying to force the ball out of Doncic’s hands. Will they up the aggressiveness and double teams on Luka or do they let him go off in hopes of slowing the rest of the roster enough to win?

Both teams will be locked in, and it will be a playoff atmosphere inside the American Airlines Center on Sunday. Here is a look at three things the Dallas Mavericks need to make happen to pick up the win and move into fourth place in the West.

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