This was as high as 9.5 and dropped to 7.5 at some books with Kyrie Irving out but is back up a point at BetMGM with most of the others at 8. PJ Washington remains out for Dallas as well. The Mavs sure have looked rather disinterested in the early going at times and have lost three straight, albeit against much better teams than Utah. I expect a spirited effort at least for the Jazz as the league's only winless club at home and with the reigning Western Conference champions making their first visit of the year. Utah lost by eight in Dallas on Oct. 28 when Irving had 23 points, nine assists and six rebounds, and Washington had a double-double.

Late in his career, Klay Thompson has struggled to string together consecutive big games. He had 22 and six 3s on Tuesday against the Warriors. Don't bet on him backing that up. Fact is, Thompson has only totaled 22 points + assists in two of his 11 games so far. Yes, Kyrie Irving is out, which could mean more touches and shots for Thompson. I'm still playing the percentages.

They kept sharp objects away from the Mavs on their flight to Salt Lake after blowing Wednesday's game against the Warriors in San Francisco. Steph Curry's late heroics had a lot to do with that result, but it also marked the third straight gnawing Dallas loss...by a combined six points. (Ouch!) The Mavs thus might want to take out their frustrations tonight, and the Jazz represent a proper victim after the Mark Cubans faced the upper-tier Suns, Nuggets, and Dubs in succession. Dallas won three of the four meetings vs. Utah by double digits last season, and all indicators are the Luka Doncic is a go for tonight despite lingering knee soreness, which didn't stop him from scoring 31 on Wednesday. Play Mavs

This is a big number for Sexton who averages 3.1 assists per game. Sexton has been held under this line in 8/10 appearances this season. He will face a Dallas defense that ranks 12th in total defense, while playing at the 7th slowest pace.

The Mavs aren't off to a great start, but man have they played a tough schedule. Their road games are at GS, DEN, MIN and PHX. Nothing easy. They are 1-2-1 ATS on the road. They beat Utah by 8 at home, but the Jazz really seem to be struggling with their game at home. They are 1-4 ATS at home and in their last 4 at home they have failed to cover by 2.5, 16, 10.5 and 31.5. This should be a strong reprieve for Dallas's road woes. Jazz D is a big problem and they have already lost 7 times by 8 points or more.