This game began with the visiting Dallas Mavericks just a game and a half ahead of the actively losing (while graciously hosting) Utah Jazz. The Western Conference is, once again, remarkably deep this season,

Last time these two matched up, it resulted in a grind-it-out overtime victory from the Jazz, 140-133, where Keyonte George rattled off a wowing 37-point performance in the process. This time, Utah will hope for similar-looking results and claim their first victory of the 2026 calendar year.

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd issued a strong remark when asked about star Anthony Davis' hand injury on Thursday.

Naji Marshall committed a turnover with 56.9 seconds left by passing an inbound pass toward the direction of Cooper Flagg, but the pass was picked off by Brice Sensabaugh, leading to a layup that gave the Jazz a comfortable lead to cruise to a victory.

The Jazz’s defense has had its fair share of problems over the last couple of years even when defensive anchor Walker Kessler was healthy and on the court, but the walloping at the hands of the Trail Blazers meant that the team needed to look in the mirror.

The Dallas Mavericks are in the middle of a three-game road trip. They just beat the Sacramento Kings in a 100-98 barn-burner in which the Mavs only led for about three minutes. If not for Brandon Williams making a rare three-pointer, and the Kings missing three chances for a win down the stretch, who knows how that game might've ended up.

Lauri Markkanen scored 33 points and the Utah Jazz closed on a 16-7 run to beat the Dallas Mavericks 116-114 on Thursday in Salt Lake City. Keyonte George had 19 points and seven assists for Utah, which snapped a five-game losing streak.

Preview the Dallas Mavericks' NBA matchup with Utah, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

DALLAS — Watch the Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, on KFAA. Here's a breakdown on how to tune in on KFAA -- and guarantee you get the clearest signal possible of the broadcast. The Dallas Mavericks (14-23) continue its road trip with a game against the Utah Jazz (12-24) on Thursday night.

Mavericks' Cooper Flagg makes basketball history only ever done in NBA by his head coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Cooper Flagg keeps joining lists with few, if any, names on them.