The Utah Jazz, mired in a five-game losing streak, travel to face the Dallas Mavericks on November 6, 2026. Their latest defeat was a 120-113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on November 4, extending a tough start to the season. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from two straight losses and could see reinforcements in their lineup for this NBA Cup group stage contest.
Utah's struggles are stark. Their 0-5 record over the last five games includes losses to the Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs (119-97 on November 2), Portland Trail Blazers (112-90 on October 31), and two more to the Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies earlier in October. The team currently ranks 27th in the league in points per game and 29th in offensive rating, numbers that explain their 1-7 overall start. Head coach Will Hardy faces a significant challenge to ignite an offense that has consistently fallen short.
Their defense has also had problems, allowing an average of over 117 points during this losing stretch. Finding stops and generating easier transition opportunities will be a focus against a potent Dallas attack. You can review the team's full schedule and recent results on our schedule page.
Dallas started its NBA Cup campaign with a win but has since dropped games to the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs. They are eager to right the ship at home. Injury news offers some hope for the Mavericks. Starting shooting guard Max Christie, who missed their last game with right hip tightness, has been upgraded to probable. His return would provide perimeter depth, though his shooting efficiency this season has been a topic of discussion among fans.
Forward Santi Aldama, listed as questionable in their previous outing, is also now probable. Aldama's potential availability is important. He offers floor-spacing from the frontcourt, which could pull Utah's big men away from the paint and open driving lanes for Dallas's creators. Caleb Martin is expected to play through a right thumb sprain.
While it's still early, games like this carry weight for a team trying to establish an identity. A competitive performance, or even an upset win on the road, could provide a vital spark. The Jazz were expected by many to push for a playoff spot this year, making this current slide particularly concerning. Players like Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George need to find a rhythm to lift the team's offensive output.
Facing a Dallas team that might be integrating returning players could present an opportunity if their rotations are not seamless. Utah must capitalize on any defensive lapses and control the tempo. Another heavy loss would only deepen the early-season questions surrounding this squad.
Immediately after this matchup in Dallas, the Jazz will return home to prepare for their next opponent. The focus for Hardy and his staff will be on shoring up defensive rotations and executing more cleanly on offense. The NBA Cup group stage adds an extra layer of urgency, but the primary goal is simply to stop the bleeding and secure a win. How they respond to this difficult stretch will define the opening month of their campaign.
