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The Dallas Mavericks should be feeling pretty good about where they are sitting after the opening two games. With Luka Doncic sidelined with a calf strain, the team still showed up in a major way. The Mavs split the series 1-1 and will head back to Utah for Games 3 and 4. This was a series the Mavs likely would have felt fairly confident about if they had been at full strength. Dallas has received some good news as their superstar appears to be getting close to being able to retake the floor in Mavericks-Jazz Game 3.
Regardless of if Doncic can suit up or not, the Mavericks must prepare to give their best effort in Utah. It has been an interesting season for the Jazz who started red-hot and did a nearly complete turnaround on the season. After beginning the season 26-9, the Jazz took a turn for the worst with various concerning storylines leaking out. Utah ended the season going 4-7 in their final 11 games and was one of the coldest teams heading into the playoffs. The slates have been cleared in the postseason and the two teams will prepare to square off in Game 3.
Mavericks-Jazz Game 3 predictions
Spencer Dinwiddie Scores 25+ Points
The addition of Spencer Dinwiddie has benefitted this Mavs team greatly. After trading for the guard at the deadline, Dinwiddie has made an extremely positive impact and proven to be a great fit. The 6’5 guard has averaged 15.8 points per game with Dallas which is a notable increase from what he scored in Washington.
Regardless of if Doncic returns, Dinwiddie is sure to play a major role in Game 3. The University of Colorado product has scored 22 and 17 points in the first two games but should prepare for a larger offensive load moving forward. Dinwiddie has been the Mavs’ leading three-point shooter since coming to Dallas and allowing him to shoot at a higher volume would be a benefit to the team. Jalen Brunson took the lead role in the previous matchup and poured in 41 points in the performance. Expect the Jazz to focus on Brunson, and for Spencer Dinwiddie to capitalize on this.
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Mavericks continue to play small-ball
One of the notable adjustments from Head Coach Jason Kidd has been the decision to play small. The Jazz lacks the personnel to match this and it was put on display in Game 2. Rudy Gobert is dominant as a rim protector but struggles a great deal when forced to defend in space. The Mavs took advantage of this in Game 2 and it allowed them to take control of the game. So much of the Jazz's defensive scheme involves funneling defenders into Gobert, so when he is forced to step out on the perimeter the team struggles.
The biggest beneficiary of this tactic has been 6’10 forward Maxi Kleber. The German is a legitimate floor-spacing threat and proved this by connecting on eight three-pointers in Game 2. If the Mavs elect to play Kleber at center, it causes some real defensive issues for the Jazz due to Gobert’s deficiencies on the perimeter. Expect Jason Kidd to stick to this tactic for stretches the remainder of the series.
Luka Doncic will tally 12+ assists in his return
It is still unclear if Doncic will make his return to court this early. The Mavs superstar is greatly missed, but the franchise is certain to prioritize his long-term health when making the decision. The recent reports indicate his return is not far off and Doncic’s return would provide a major boost for the Mavs.
While he is most talented as a scorer, Doncic can affect the game in a variety of ways. If he can return, it also is unclear the form he will be in given the injury. The gravity that the superstar carries will be there regardless so expect Luka to capitalize on this. The Mavs have made a conscious effort to utilize the three-point arc in this matchup, so expect Luka to be slinging passes on the perimeter. Doncic is a hard-nosed talent and will surely suit up if he is at all capable. The Mavs certainly do not look the same without their centerpiece in the lineup.
Game 3 will play a major role in the direction of this series. Both teams will be fighting to gain momentum and put themselves in a position to advance. The Jazz and Mavs have been an entertaining series thus far and neither team will roll over easily. Expect the Mavs to utilize these advantages and to be a hard-fought game regardless.
