Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz: Defense to prevail over defense in the crucial confrontation

Game 5 of one of the toughest series in the NBA playoffs first round will take place between Dallas and Utah. So far, the series is tied at 2-2. Who will manage to take the lead? We'll pick a few options to bet on at once.

Luka Doncic returned to the floor in the fourth game for Dallas, which certainly improved the Mavs' chances of winning. Jason Kidd's team, however, failed to take a 3-1 lead in the series. Dallas blew a crucial possession, lost the ball, and instead of increasing their advantage, allowed their opponent to take the lead. The Texans couldn't mount a winning offensive attack either. 99-100 – now it will not be enough for Dallas to win one game to win the whole series.

The Jazz lost both of their high-scoring games against Dallas and won both of the low-scoring. The obvious conclusion is that Quin Snyder's team's defense has been better than its offense so far. It might work that way against Dallas, though. For example, Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson combined for 53 points in Game 4 for the Mavs, more than half of the team's points. The third offensive option for Utah's rival is simply unavailable.

• Dallas: Tim Hardaway will not play. Frank Ntilikina is questionable;
• Utah: Udoka Azubuike will not play. Trent Forrest is questionable.

The score in the series is 2-2.

Game 5 of the series is a key one. The winner for overall success will have to win only one match out of two. In the upcoming game, respectively, the teams will probably act with caution and finish the meeting with a very low total. Fortunately, the defensive options of coaches Kidd and Snyder, as the series shows, abound.

Prediction: a low-scoring match.

• Total Under (213) for 1.905;
• Total Under (208.5) for 2.30;
• Each Team Total Under (106.5) for 3.40.

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