20* Mavs/Jazz NBA on TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah -2.5

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

Point Spread: -2½/-109 Utah

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

The Utah Jazz are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season. Because they are not a flashy team, the betting public is off of them as they continue to stay out of the media. But this is one of the better teams in the Western Conference, and they have been nearly unstoppable at home.

Utah is off to a 9-4 start this season. The Jazz have been red hot of late, going 8-1 in their last nine games overall. Utah is 7-1 at home this season, outscoring opponents 98.7 to 89.4 or by an average of 9.3 points/game. Their only home loss came in overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Dallas Mavericks are clearly down this season and not nearly as motivated as they were last year when they won the NBA Championship. The Mavs are just 8-7 on the year, including back-to-back losses to both Los Angeles teams. This is a tough spot for Dallas as it will be the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.

The Jazz are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Utah is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite. The Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. The Mavericks are 15-36-2 ATS in their last 53 Thursday games. The home team is 23-7-1 ATS in the last 31 meetings in this series, and Utah is 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 home meetings with Dallas. Bet the Jazz Thursday.