Dallas @ Utah picks

In a one-game slate, I'm surprised to see any value on the Over for a Luka Doncic prop, but I'll definitely hit the button on his assists prop with the Over 8.5 assists trading at +105 against the Utah Jazz. Walker Kessler is out for the Jazz on Thursday, which means we will see the undersized John Collins starting at center for the Jazz against the Mavericks. This is a huge swing in rim protection, and Dereck Lively also recently returned to the Mavericks' lineup, giving Doncic a second lob threat on offense to convert potential assists. The undersized guards on the Jazz are going to need a ton of help to contain Doncic, which will open up even more potential assists. Doncic is projected for 9.2 assists, which allows us to price the Over 8.5 assists at -130, but it's available at bet365 at +105.