NBA Basketball
2026-11-06 - Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NBA Cup Group Stage
Friday 6th November 2026 - Scheduled 8pm EST
1am (British Time)
Preview
It has been an inconsistent start to the season in terms of the record, but the Dallas Mavericks (4-4) pushed the San Antonio Spurs all the way last time out in a single point defeat. That is the second time they have fallen to the Spurs this season, but the battle that the players were able to put together will give the Mavericks confidence.
They have begun the NBA Cup with an upset win over the Houston Rockets having been set as a 6.5 point underdog in the first round robin of games and that gives Dallas every chance of making it through to the Knock Out Rounds of the competition.
However, that does mean backing up the win over the Mavericks with the second game in the NBA Cup also being played at home.
Overlooking the Utah Jazz (1-7) could be a mistake, even if the Jazz have been struggling to remain competitive in recent games. They have lost six games in a row, but Head Coach Will Hardy has been speaking with more confidence about the development of his team.
It is all about going through the process for Utah, who are not expected to be competing for post-season spots in the Western Conference. Over the last two seasons, Utah have won a combined 39 games and the early season form suggests they may struggle to get up to 20 wins like they did last season when finishing with 22.
Will Hardy believes the team are improving Offensively, but Utah are averaging just 40% from the field in the last five games. They have been pretty good around the glass, but Utah have also been guilty of too many turnovers and they may not find much room to operate against the Dallas Mavericks, who will feel they can challenge the visitors on the boards and that could give the Mavericks the momentum to pull clear.
There has to be a note about the way Dallas have performed Offensively, which has been steady rather than spectacular.
However, that has been enough to beat Utah in the early part of this season and the Mavericks will feel they can make enough three pointers to eventually put some distance between them and the Jazz.
Looking after the ball a little better than the Jazz could also be an important part of this game for Dallas as they look to move to 2-0.
The two games Dallas hosted against Utah last season ended in blowout wins and they may be able do what is needed to cover the spread.
Prediction
This looks like a NBA Cup game in which you can lay the points with the home favourite.
The Pick :
Dallas Mavericks 114-102 Utah Jazz
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Dallas Mavericks - 7 Points at -110 with Bookmaker.euCanadian Customers Can Now Play with Bet365)
