The Dallas Mavericks (33-23) host the Phoenix Suns (33-22) in their first games back from the All-Star Break. Although there are plenty of games remaining, a win here sets either team on the right path. While a couple of players remain designated as game-time decisions, for the most part, both teams are at full health.
The series is tied between the two sides in the regular season so far. However, the away sides stole a game on the road against each other in both instances. But their most recent game came in late January, as the Arizona side won by a convincing 23-point margin.
What new information do you need regarding two of the better teams in the NBA today?
Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Dallas Mavericks | -2.5 -115 |
O 243 -115 |
-142 |
| Phoenix Suns | +2.5 -105 |
U 243 -105 |
+120 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks
Date And Time: February 22, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas
Key Stats
Dallas Mavericks (Averages)
Points: 118.7
Points Allowed: 117.2
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.9/89.8 for 47.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 15.0/40.3 for 37.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.7/23.5 for 75.5%
Rebounds: 9.9 Offensive, 32.3 Defensive, 42.2 Combined
Assists: 25.6
Steals: 6.6
Blocks: 4.5
Turnovers: 12.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.6/90.8 for 48.0%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.0/35.8 for 36.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.0/22.5 for 75.9%
Rebounds Against: 11.5 Offensive, 34.1 Defensive, 45.6 Combined
Dallas looks to outscore opponents, willing to give up easier buckets on the other end. Therefore this will likely become a shootout. Yes, they are that good offensively. Usually, you worry about a team that is so willing to give up easy points to their opponents. But they have a dynamic duo and a supporting cast that allows this Dallas Mavericks team to make it work.
Recent Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. Mavericks video highlights: pic.twitter.com/WG0KPy7JdL
— INSIDE HOOPS – NBA Basketball (@InsideHoops) January 30, 2024
Firstly, Kyrie Irving possesses the best handles in NBA history. Additionally, he is one of the premiere around-the-rim scorers in the league. Defenses struggle because of his pairing with Luka Doncic. Additionally, the Slovenian is one of the more entertaining and all-around best talents in the league. So much so, that even Nikola Jokic doesn’t mind a little tampering to entice him to come. They are on a hot streak and surprisingly have held opponents to under 110 points in four of their last games. Their defense woes appear to be overstated, at least for now.
Phoenix Suns (Averages)
Points: 117.6
Points Allowed: 114.3
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.7/85.6 for 49.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.9/31.4 for 37.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 20.4/25.1 for 81.0%
Rebounds: 9.7 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 43.2 Combined
Assists: 26.8
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 6.1
Turnovers: 14.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 42.3/90.7 for 46.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.0/35.6 for 36.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 16.7/21.9 for 76.6%
Rebounds Against: 11.4 Offensive, 29.8 Defensive, 41.2 Combined
Considering their talent, their fifth place and being six games back in the West is somewhat surprising. However, this team can get hot at a moment’s notice. Additionally, they are 7-2 in their last nine games. Those two losses came against a resurging Golden State Warriors team and a road loss to the Atlanta Hawks. In that game, Kevin Durant scored 35 points and they still lost by nine. In other words, the two sides are complete mirror images of each other, although the Dallas Mavericks have a slightly better defense as of late.
2nd Quarter Highlights Suns v Blazers!
Kevin Durant
Devin Booker
Eric Gordon
Jusuf Nurkic pic.twitter.com/1kXFTdaK7H— 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 ✰ (@Hatedzs) October 13, 2023
Phoenix also possesses a great scoring duo. However, they have not been able to get it going as much as fans would have expected heading into the season. While Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are great talents, it just hasn’t clicked in some key losses. But they also have Jusuf Nurkic. He continues to be an all-around force to be reckoned with. Look for him to have a big night in his matchups against the Dallas Mavericks.
Game Prediction
The Dallas Mavericks will score and score a ton. Especially after the All-Star game, Doncic will be eager to play in a real competition again. Additionally, they are looking good to go. Although Dereck Lively lists as a game-time decision. But he is probably to play. Therefore, the hosts are at full capacity and should be able to force Phoenix to play their preferred style of basketball.
Conversely, Bradley Beal is questionable with a hamstring issue. But whether he plays or not, this matchup does not bode well for the Suns. They can keep pace and even outpace a lot of teams, but they don’t have the ceiling of the Dallas Mavericks. Therefore, I am picking the home side to win comfortably and I see this game going into the mid-120s.
Final Pick
Dallas Mavericks -2.5 and Over 243
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
