Mavericks at Jazz: Game 79 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (47-31) vs. Utah Jazz (24-53)
Apr. 8, 8:00 at Energy Solutions Arena
TV: Ch. 21, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 7 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 22 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Jazz 93
Feb. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Jazz 81
Mar. 12 at Utah
Mavs 108 Jazz 101

All-Time Series
Jazz 89 Mavs 65

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (111.2)
Defense: 23rd (108.6)
Jazz
Offense: 25th (103.2)
Defense: 29th (111.0)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Jazz
PG: Trey Burke
SG: Gordon Hayward
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Marvin Williams
C: Derrick Favors

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.6
RPG: Dalembert, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.5
Jazz
PPG: Hayward, 16.1
RPG: Favors, 8.8
APG: Burke, 5.5
PER: Favors, 18.6

Notes
The Mavericks magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 3. According to Basketball Reference's Playoff Probabilities Report they have a 85.4% chance to be in the postseason. The Mavs can sweep the season series over the Jazz for the 2nd time in 4 years with a win. Dirk Nowitzki ranks 5th in the league in ESPN's new real plus-minus stat. The only other Mav in the top 40 was Vince Carter at 36th.