3 matchups to watch in Dallas Mavericks vs. Jazz playoff series without Luka Doncic

Matchup to watch in Dallas Mavericks vs. Jazz playoff series: 2. Dinwiddie vs. Conley

Utah’s preferred matchup this season has been putting Mike Conley on Spencer Dinwiddie, but they could try to avoid it with Luka Doncic on the sidelines. At this point in their careers, Donovan Mitchell is a better defender than Conley, but he carries a heavier offensive burden. Will Jazz head coach Quinn Snyder want the superior defender on one of the Mavericks' primary ball-handlers or does he try to save Mitchell’s energy for creating the offense?

Anytime Conley gets matched up on Dinwiddie, the 6’5 guard must turn it into advantage Mavericks. Plays like this one could from the last meeting between the two teams could be the key to the series.

Dinwiddie drives on Conley and forces Utah’s defense to collapse, but the 6’5 guard settles for a contested floater. He needs to kick out for the open 3-pointer in the corner or get all the way to the rim. Dinwiddie can drive and score against Mike Conley. If nothing else, it will draw the defense and create open looks for Dallas.

Spencer Dinwiddie is not the only key ball-handler for the Dallas Mavericks without Luka Doncic in the lineup, and Jalen Brunson will also need to exploit his matchup if the team wants to win on their home floor.