Riding back from Minnesota, the Phoenix Suns look like gunslinging cowboys, even while set to go up against a team actually from the lone star state. As the winners of nine straight contests, the Valley Boys represent the league’s hottest team right now, looking stronger than ever now with Deandre Ayton back.
Moving onto the Dallas Mavericks, the Suns want to lasso them next, and push their streak into double digits. The Mavs currently owns a solid 9-4 record themselves, sitting just one game behind Phoenix within the Western Conference standings.
With the Suns still yet to play a team above .500 this month, the Mavs embody the first real test for the group in some time. Naturally, they pose a significant threat to end this tremendous run. With such factors coming into play and the game slated to appear on national television, this already looks like a box-office event.
Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBet, the Suns enter this game favorited to win at -5.0 points. Their moneyline odds sit at -210, and the over/under is currently at 219.0 points.
With the Suns reeling in win after win, it feels impossible to put them as the underdogs against anyone right now. But at the same time, Luka Doncic‘s absence from this contest makes a victory for Phoenix likely as well.
Currently averaging 24.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, Doncic strikes as a universally agreed top ten NBA player. You simply could not point out a more important player on the Mavericks right now, so taking him away naturally leaves them looking handicapped.
Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks Lineups
Thanks to a healed-up Ayton, the Suns can roll out their original lineup from the season’s opening days. However, watch for Monty Williams to feature backup center JaVale McGee a bit more off the bench with Kaminsky unavailable.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
With Doncic’s ankle injury, Jason Kidd has his hands full putting together a starting five. He likes to play with big lineups, so whether at the shooting guard spot or point guard, watch for Jalen Brunson to pick up Doncic’s minutes. Enjoying a career-year, the Suns cannot take him lightly, even with him embodying a downgrade from Doncic.
- PG: Jalen Brunson
- SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.
- SF: Dorian Finney-Smith
- PF: Kristaps Porzingis
- C: Dwight Powell
Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
Without Doncic, a Suns win feels inevitable. I expect them to cover their five point spread, marching to a relatively easy victory.
The Suns still need to contain Porzingis though. Averaging 27.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.3 triples made per game over his last three contests, he looks like a true NBA superstar. Given his height, Kaminsky and Cameron Johnson need to stay ready, should Jae Crowder struggle to challenge his smooth jumper.
The still snag their tenth straight dub, but watch for another fantastic performance from the unicorn.
Final: Phoenix Suns 113, Dallas Mavericks 101
Phoenix Suns Up Next:
Time for some deja vu. After this game, the Suns play the Mavericks once again, also at Footprint arena. With Doncic’s ankle likely keeping him out for more than just one game, Phoenix deserves the nod from a betting stand point for that game as well.
Of course though, if one team blows out the other during this first game, that likely influences the odds as well.