Mavericks vs. Jazz playoffs Game 1 odds, how to watch, predictions

The Dallas Mavericks will be without superstar Luka Doncic for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz as he continues to recover from a calf strain. Luka is officially listed as doubtful, but he won’t play, and the 23-year-old superstar could miss Game 2 as well.

The Mavs will need other players to step up if they want to win the series opener on their home floor. Expect a rocking crowd at the American Airlines Center with Spencer Dinwiddie and Jalen Brunson leading the way for Dallas. Can they create enough offense to keep the Mavericks in the game?

Fans will not want to miss the playoff opener on Saturday afternoon. The NBA did Dallas no favors with the schedule, but here is a look at how to watch, the odds, and more.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz: How to watch

Start time: 12:00 p.m. CT or 1:00 p.m. ET

How to watch: ESPN (national), Bally Sports Southwest Dallas (Mavericks local market), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Jazz local market)

Watch online: Watch ESPN

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz: Injury report

Mavs superstar Luka Doncic is officially listed as doubtful for Saturday’s matinee, but he will not play. Dallas also ruled out Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) and Frank Ntilikina (illness) for Game 1, but those are the only three players listed on the NBA’s official injury report.

The Jazz will be without Trent Forrest (foot) and Udoka Azubuike (ankle) on Saturday afternoon. Utah is otherwise healthy heading into the postseason.

Be on the lookout for any late-breaking news, including the latest on Luka Doncic’s calf injury.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz odds, spread, over/under

According to WynnBet, the Mavs open the playoffs as 5.0-point underdogs for Game 1, and they are plus-165 on the moneyline as the game has an over/under of 209.5.

WynnBet has all the prop bets fans are want on Game 1. Rudy Gobert to grab 35-plus points plus rebounds sits at plus-230 and is one of my favorites. The Mavericks are going to play small, which should allow Gobert to feast on the glass and covert a few easy buckets.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz predictions

The Jazz have struggled to close out games, and the problem crops back up on Saturday afternoon. Utah has a double-digit lead heading into the fourth, but the Mavericks tie the game in the final minutes. Ultimately, the Jazz secure the win as Dallas covers the spread, and the game goes under 209 points.

Spencer Dinwiddie leads the Mavs in scoring with 23 points and hands out seven dimes in an impressive performance. Jalen Brunson scores 15, and Dorian Finney-Smith hits five 3-pointers on his way to 19 in Game 1. Dallas falls just short but gains confidence heading into Game 2, even if Luka Doncic is still unable to play.

The Smoking Cuban will have all the news, analysis, and opinions on the Dallas Mavericks' first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, so be sure to check back after each game to catch all the latest.