NBA: Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz Injury Reports, Predicted Lineups, and Starting 5s

The Utah Jazz prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 6 of their first-round series on Thursday, with the home team facing elimination. Following a couple of outstanding performances from Jalen Brunson and the return of Luka Doncic after a calf injury, Dallas seized the series lead. During the regular season, they were ranked fifth in offensive rating. They'll need more of the same offensive prowess in Game 5 against Utah if they want to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Jazz experienced a rough patch following the new year, with important players like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert suffering injuries. Before beating the Mavericks in Games 1 and 4, they had only four wins in their last ten games. They're on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs, so they'll have to step up their game.

Injury Report for the Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic is back in the starting lineup. The Mavericks' solitary absentee in this game is Tim Hardaway Jr., who is nursing a foot ailment and recovering from surgery.

Injuries to the Utah Jazz

The biggest story for the Jazz heading into this game is that standout guard Donovan Mitchell's status is uncertain due to a quadriceps problem. Due to a foot injury, Trent Forrest is out, as is Udoka Azubuike, who is recovering from ankle surgery.

Predicted Lineups for Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz

Dallas Mavericks 

The guards should be Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson. Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith might start at forwarding and center, respectively. Dwight Powell could start at center.

Utah Jazz

The backcourt should be manned by Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley, while the frontcourt should be manned by Bojan Bogdonavic and Royce O'Neale. Despite the fact that Rudy Gobert's ability to guard on the perimeter has been questioned, he should be the center.

Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz Predicted Starting 5s

Dallas Mavericks

Point Guard - Spencer Dinwiddie; Shooting Guard - Jalen Brunson; Small Forward - Dorian Finney-Smith; Power Forward - Reggie Bullock; Center - Dwight Powell.

Utah Jazz

Point Guard: Mike Conley; Shooting Guard: Donovan Mitchell; Small Forward: Bojan Bogdonavic; Power Forward: Royce O'Neal; Center: Rudy Gobert.