The showdown between the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz is one of the eight matchups scheduled on the busy New Year’s Day. This will mark their second meeting this season after Luka Doncic and Co. blew out the Jazz in a dominant 147-97 victory. Therefore, the Jazz will hope for a win to even the series record this season. The Mavs will have their work cut out as they enter the contest heavily shorthanded to face the Jazz team on the road.

The Mavs will face a tough test as they lock horns with the Utah Jazz, who are coming off a 117-109 victory against the Miami Heat and boast seven wins in their last ten games. However, there is a chance Mavs’ star ball-handler Kyrie Irving might return to action after missing significant time off the court to help the banged-up team past the Jazz.

Kyrie Irving’s status has been upgraded to questionable

Kyrie Irving has missed the last 12 games after suffering a right heel contusion against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 8. The injury occurred when Dallas center Dwight Powell lost his balance and landed on Irving’s feet. After missing an extended period due to the injury, the Mavs star was upgraded to probable before being eventually ruled out for the game versus the Golden State Warriors. He has once again been upgraded to a game-time decision ahead of the matchup against the Jazz. This is positive either way. Even if he does not suit up tonight, an upgraded status indicates that he is nearing his return.

Alongside Uncle Drew, key players including Luka Doncic (left quadriceps soreness), Seth Curry (illness), and Dante Exum (right heel contusion) are all listed as day-to-day. Dallas will, however, continue to miss the services of Maxi Kleber who is expected to be back in two weeks after sustaining a toe injury.

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Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz: Predicted starting lineups

Luka Doncic made an explosive comeback against the Golden State Warriors with a 39-point performance after missing the previous game against the T-Wolves due to left quad soreness. Although he has once again appeared on the injury report, he will likely lace up tonight. Therefore, Dallas’ projected starting lineup might feature Luka Doncic, Jaden Hardy, Derek Liveley II, Derrek Jones Jr., and Dante Exum.

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The Jazz have an empty injury report and will field a healthy roster tonight. They might start the game with their starting five of Collin Sexton, Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen, Simone Fontecchio, and John Collins.

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What are your predictions for tonight’s matchup? Let us know in the comments!