The Dallas Mavericks (3-3) will host the Utah Jazz (6-2) on Wednesday in a Western Conference matchup. This is a rematch of last years first round playoff matchups that the Mavericks won in six games over the Jazz, however the rosters have seen changes since then, primarily on the Utah side.
During the offseason, the front office in Utah made it clear they would start rebuilding by making two blockbuster trades sending Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland and Ruby Gobert to Minnesota. As a result of the changes, the Jazz entered this season with an over/under win total of just 24.5. The projected win total is a significant drop for a team that has won at least 36 games yearly except one season since 2006, including 49 last season.
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— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 1, 2022
The low expectations may have been low coming in, but the Jazz have not played like it. With their 6-2 record, the Jazz are just a half-game behind the Phoenix Suns for the best record in the Western Conference. The Jazz are on a two game winning streak after beating Memphis 124-123 on Saturday and again on Monday 121-105.
Utah has a strong balance, with six players averaging double-digits in points, led by Lauri Markkanen with 22.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Overall, the Jazz are 15th in offensive efficiency and 10th averaging 117.5 ppg. The defense is ninth in efficiency and 17th allowing 113.6 ppg. Utah has the 17th rated strength of schedule according to power rankings guru.
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