Mavericks vs. Jazz Preview: Dallas’ NBA Cup quest continues against Utah

The Dallas Mavericks (4-4) host the Utah Jazz (1-7) at American Airlines Center on Friday in the NBA Cup group stage. Dallas enters on a two-game losing streak following a 112-111 loss to San Antonio, while Utah has dropped six consecutive games, most recently falling 120-113 in overtime to the New Orleans Pelicans. This matchup marks the Mavericks' second game in the tournament's group stage and the Jazz's first.

Utah continues to navigate injuries, with forward Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined by a torn MCL and starting center Jusuf Nurkic out with a toe injury. The Jazz rely heavily on veteran forward Lauri Markkanen alongside young contributors Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, and Ace Bailey. Dallas previously opened group play with a 116-111 victory over the Houston Rockets, currently placing them second behind Denver in West Group A.