Dallas Mavericks (52-30, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (49-33, fifth in the Western Conference)
Salt Lake City; Thursday, 10 p.m. EDT
LINE: Jazz -2.5; over/under is 209.5
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BOTTOM LINE: A pair of the league's best scorers, Donovan Mitchell and Luka Doncic, meet when Utah and Dallas square off. Mitchell ranks ninth in the NBA averaging 25.9 points per game and Doncic is third in the league averaging 28.4 points per game.
The Jazz are 33-19 against Western Conference opponents. Utah is 1-6 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Mavericks are 36-16 in conference games. Dallas ranks second in the NBA allowing just 104.7 points while holding opponents to 45.7% shooting.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mitchell is shooting 44.8% and averaging 25.9 points for the Jazz. Jordan Clarkson is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Utah.
Doncic is shooting 45.7% and averaging 28.4 points for the Mavericks. Jalen Brunson is averaging 23.0 points over the last 10 games for Dallas.
LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 5-5, averaging 107.9 points, 48.8 rebounds, 19.7 assists, 5.8 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.8 points per game.
Mavericks: 7-3, averaging 114.0 points, 39.8 rebounds, 22.3 assists, 6.5 steals and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.6 points.
INJURIES: Jazz: Udoka Azubuike: out (ankle), Donovan Mitchell: day to day (hamstring), Trent Forrest: out (foot sprain).
Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr.: out (foot).
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