Mavs-Jazz preview: Time to move on, salvage this three-game trip

The Dallas Mavericks have lost two straight games on their three-game trip and need a win in Utah to avoid returning home 0-3.

The Mavericks (10-13) have struggled on the road this season, going just 3-8. They'll face a tough challenge in the Utah Jazz (12-11), who are 7-4 at home.

The Mavericks will need to play better defensively if they want to win. They've allowed their opponents to score an average of 118.3 points per game on the road this season.

The Jazz are coming off a 118-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

The Jazz have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season. They were expected to be a lottery team, but they're currently in the playoff picture.

The Jazz are led by Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 24.1 points per game. Rudy Gobert is also a key player for the Jazz, averaging 15.1 points and 14.7 rebounds per game.

The Mavericks and Jazz have split their two meetings this season.

The Mavericks won the first meeting in Dallas, 103-94, on Nov. 12. The Jazz won the second meeting in Utah, 110-99, on Dec. 2.

The Mavericks will need to play their best game of the season if they want to win in Utah. The Jazz are a tough opponent, but the Mavericks have the talent to win if they play well.

Here are some things to watch for in the game:

Can the Mavericks contain Donovan Mitchell?

Will the Mavericks be able to rebound with Rudy Gobert?

Can the Mavericks hit their shots from three-point range?

The Mavericks will need to answer these questions in order to win in Utah. If they can, they'll have a chance to salvage this three-game trip.