Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Game Thread: Let's go for 20!

The Utah Jazz play their last game before the All-Star break tonight -- against the fearsome Dallas Mavericks. While the Mavs just got spanked by the Los Angeles Clippers and will no doubt try to put our kids to sleep early . . . it's not a given. The Jazz will also be motivated to get that 20th win, something that used to be a given before the All-Star break most seasons. Last season it didn't happen until . . . uh . . . game 56. This year, with younger players and a rookie coach? It could happen by game 53. Again, not a big difference in the small picture, but a giant leap for our core group of 22, 23, and 24 year olds.

It's not going to be easy without Alec Burks, Rodney Hood, and who knows what's up with Joe Ingles? It's not going to be a total cakewalk for Dallas though, as Rajon Rondo and Tyson Chandler are both out. Monta Ellis is questionable.

Starters:

• Dante Exum vs. J.J. Barea
• Elijah Millsap vs. Monta Ellis
• Gordon Hayward vs. Chandler Parsons
• Enes Kanter vs. Dirk Nowitzki
• Derrick Favors vs. Greg Smith

Bench:

• Trey Burke vs. Devin Harris
• Rudy Gobert vs. Dwight Powell
• Trevor Booker vs. Al-Farouq Aminu
• Father time vs. Richard Jefferson
• Academics vs. Ricky Ledo

Injuries:

• Alec Burks (UTA) -- Out, shoulder, season, you know the deal
• Rodney Hood (UTA) -- Out, feetsies have ouchies
• Joe Ingles (UTA) -- Doubtful, back spasms
• Rajon Rondo (DAL) -- Out, left orbital fracture (face)
• Tyson Chandler (DAL) -- Out, left ankle injury
• Monta Ellis (DAL) -- Questionable, played in their last game, left groin strain

It would also be nice for the Jazz to FINALLY win three games in a row this year. If they do it tonight, it'll break the spell.

GO JAZZ GO!