Published on: Apr 16, 2022 11:31 am IST|Updated on: Apr 16, 2022 11:31 am IST
DAL vs UTA Dream11: NBA fans, how has it been going? The NBA Playoffs will kick off this game as the curtains will fall on the intense Play-in tournament. The mid-ranking games are always interesting as those look the most unpredictable ones. In this Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks finished at the fourth position while the Utah Jazz at the fifth position, and they will face off to tip off the NBA Playoffs.
The Mavericks will be playing without Luka Doncic and that is bound to hurt their team balance. This is a huge loss to begin the Playoffs and coach Jason Kidd will have his hands full in terms of the rotation. Dinwiddie and Brunson will need to show up as the offensive threats.
On the other hand, the Jazz can be in a bit of disarray as their ace scorer Donovan Mitchell is listed as a “Game-Time Decision”. Despite that, the Jazz has multiple scorers at multiple positions, however, their second-half performances have impacted the team’s ranking towards the end.
Host: Dallas Mavericks Visitors: Utah Jazz Match Timing: 16 April, @ 10:30 PM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: American Airlines Center
Context
The Mavericks were winning a ton of games due to Doncic’s ability to close out games and the team defense had to ensure stops so that they are able to prevail in clutch situations. Doncic’s defense was also impressive this season but the major issue without him will be pushing the pace as his ability to rebounder, acts as a playmaker, and score in a variety of ways bolsters the positioning of the Mavs.
On the other hand, the Jazz can be in jeopardy too if Donovan Mitchell misses out as he has been their leading scorer and has taken the mantle late in the game. The play of Mitchell is also crucial in opening up lanes for Gobert while also utilizing Bojan Bogdanovic as a perimeter scorer, and Mike Conley as a shooter as well. However, late in the season, Donovan was struggling on the offensive end.
How can the Mavs adjust? Having Brunson and Dinwiddie means that the load can be shared on the offensive end, as both are capable ball-handlers, shooters, and playmakers. Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dwight Powell showed mettle on the offensive end to finish the season, however, they all benefit from playing alongside Doncic. On the other hand, the Jazz has perhaps better shooting options overall but on the defensive end, the Mavericks have been better. A lot will depend upon how Bogdanovic, Conley, and Clarkson respond here.
I believe the two teams look evenly matched if Mitchell misses out for the Jazz, however, if he plays, then the Jazz looks more imposing than the Mavericks. The huge issue for the Jazz has been their inability to close out games and that is one area where the Mavericks have had an advantage but without Doncic, it may not be a decisive edge. So, yes, both coaches have their fair share of adjustments to make for this game.
Fantasy scenarios
For the Mavericks, you can select Brunson and Dinwiddie as key players while Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell will share heavy minutes to match up against Rudy Gobert. On the other hand, Gobert appears a safe selection and he has been heavy on boards, and blocks while inserting decent offense. Mike Conley has been a bit off but his experience can allow him to come back to his old rhythm during the Playoffs. Bojan Bogdanovic can be a decent selection but Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith bring a lot of value as well. The major minutes for both teams will be played by Brunson, Dinwiddie, Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Rudy Gobert, Royce O’Neale, Jordan Clarkson, and if Mitchell plays, of course by him.
Performance Predictions Highest scorer(if Mitchell plays): Donovan Mitchell: 30 Highest scorer(if Mitchell doesn’t play): Jalen Brunson: 27 Highest assists maker: Mike Conley: 8 Highest rebounder: Rudy Gobert: 16 Result Prediction(If Mitchell plays): Jazz 110 Mavericks 105 Result Prediction(If Mitchell doesn’t play): Mavericks 108 Jazz 104
Dallas Mavericks Team News
Mavericks Expected Starting Five Defensive Big Forward: PF: Dorian Finney-Smith Defensive wing: Reggie Bullock Inside Presence: C: Dwight Powell Playmaking and scoring guards: PG: Jalen Brunson | PG: Spencer Dinwiddie
BENCH: Josh Green, Sterling Brown, Marquesse Chriss, Maxi Kleber, Frank Ntilikina, Boban Marajanovic, Trey Burke.
Utah Jazz Team News
Jazz Expected Starting Five Defensive Forward: PF: Royce O’Neale Defensive and Rebounding Specialist: C: Rudy Gobert Sharp-shooting Wing: SF: Bojan Bogdanovic Ace scorer: SG: Donovan Mitchell Playmaking Guard: PG: Mike Conley
BENCH: Jordan Clarkson, Rudy Gay, Eric Paschall, Nickeil Alexander-Walker , Juancho Hernangomez, Hassan Whiteside.
Donovan Mitchell(UTA) Points: 26 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 07 Steals: 01 The scales may be even if Donovan misses the game and he is listed as a “Game-Time Decision”. Donovan has been doing his bit like an offensive player and also a playmaker. He can be in 24-30 points and 4-7 assists range in my opinion. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 34-47
Jalen Brunson(DAL) Lefty guard Jalen has risen his game when Doncic has been out and he can be a piercing player both as a shooter and a playmaker. I expect a 21-27 points and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-40
Rudy Gobert(UTA) Gobert is an ultimate board sealer and his ability to score inside while also playing elite defense will give the Jazz edge over the Mavericks. He can be in 15-22 points, 13-16 rebounds, and 2-4 blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 32-47
Spencer Dinwiddie(DAL) Spencer will slate in as the second Point Guard in absence of Luka and he has the ability to score in bunches, playing a big role. He can be in 17-24 points and 4-6 assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-30
Bojan Bogdanovic(UTA) Wing Bogdanovic has been able to produce high-yielding scoring nights, doing his bit as a scorer and if Mitchell doesn’t play, his role will be bigger only. He can be in 14-20 points range if Mitchell plays and if he doesn’t then in 19-25 points range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-44
Dorian Finney-Smith(DAL) Dorian’s touches will increase because of Doncic’s absence and he has shown he can be an all-around scoring presence. He can be in 11-16 points and 4-7 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 18-26
(If Mitchell doesn’t play) PG: S Dinwiddie, J Clarkson SG: M Conley, J Brunson(SP) SF: B Bogdanovic PF: R Bullock C: D Powell, R Gobert(PP)
(If Mitchell does play) PG: S Dinwiddie, D Mitchell(SP) SG: M Conley SF: B Bogdanovic PF: R Bullock, R O’Neale C: D Powell, R Gobert(PP)
Wouldn’t you like to catch the Jazz take on the Mavs to kick off the Playoffs! In a brilliant piece of news for India-based NBA viewers, this match can be seen on streaming platforms JIO TV and Voot, the two official streaming platforms for viewers in India. If you want to learn the scores, stats, and news, go to the official website of the NBA.