4* NBA TNT LATE NIGHT MASSACRE

Dallas vs. Utah, 01/19/2012 22:30 EDT, Score: 94 - 91

Point Spread: +2½/-101 Dallas

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

The Utah Jazz have been one of the big surprises early in the season, but I have a hard time believing they should be favored in this game. The fact that the public has jumped all over the Jazz, it only strengthens my belief that Dallas will win this game outright.

The Mavericks come into this game off back-to-back heartbreaking losses on the road against the Lakers and Clippers. Prior to that this team had won five straight. Both those losses were nationally televised games. Tonight's game will be aired on TNT, and you can bet the Mavericks will be motivated to show their fans they are still one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

Utah's Al Jefferson and Paul Milsap have been scoring at will in the paint against opposing defenses, but I think they are going to struggle in this matchup. The Mavericks are allowing a league-low 32.4 ppg in the paint this month.

Dallas is 13-4-1 ATS in their last 18 road games, 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games as an underdog, and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss. BET THE MAVERICKS!