Mid-term report
The last time the Suns and Mavericks met the game was decided by 23 points, but it certainly doesn't look like the final result will be as lopsided this time around. It's still anyone's game after two quarters, but the Suns currently lead the Mavericks 63-60.
If the Suns keep playing like this, they will increase their record to 34-22 in no time. On the other hand, the Mavericks will have to make do with a 32-24 record unless they turn things around (and quickly).
who plays
Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks
Current records: Phoenix 33-22, Dallas 32-23
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What you should know
The Suns have two home games under their belt but will have to take off their away jerseys soon. They will face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center after a few days off. Both teams go into the duel strengthened by victories from their previous games.
Last Wednesday, Phoenix didn't have too much trouble against the Pistons at home, winning 116-100. The Suns increased the score to 99-69 by the end of the third period, a deficit that the Pistons were able to reduce but never fully recover from.
Kevin Durant continued his habit of putting up crazy stats, scoring 25 points along with six assists and six rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks started their game last Wednesday with five straight wins but left the game with six. Everything went according to plan against San Antonio as Dallas escaped with a 116-93 win. The Mavericks trailed 26-11 with 5:01 left in the first quarter, but still held on for a narrow 23-point win.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were among the Mavericks' key playmakers, as the former nearly missed a double-double with 27 points and nine rebounds and the latter nearly missed a double-double with 34 points and nine rebounds. Irving continues to improve, surpassing his previous point total in each of the last three games he has played.
Phoenix's win was their seventh straight home win, increasing their record to 33-22. These good results were due in large part to their offensive dominance during this stretch, as they averaged 120.0 points per game. As for Dallas, they have been performing well of late as they have won seven of their last nine contests, giving their 32-23 record a nice boost this season.
A high-powered offense is likely on the agenda, as Phoenix and the Mavericks are among the highest-scoring teams in the league. The Suns have had no trouble putting up the score this season, averaging 117.6 points per game. It's not like the Mavericks are struggling in that regard, however, as they've averaged 118.7 points per game. Since both teams manage to score points so easily, the only question that remains is who can increase the score.
The Suns will be hoping to beat the odds on Thursday as pundits believe they are headed for a loss. Those looking to play the spread should keep Phoenix's opponent in mind: They have a subpar record of 3-7 against the spread against the Mavericks in their last ten games.
opportunities
According to the latest NBA odds, Dallas is a slight favorite against Phoenix by 2.5 points.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the starting position, as the game began with the Mavericks as 2-point favorites.
The oddsmakers expect fireworks from the offensive and set the over/under at a high 245 points.
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Series story
Dallas has won 6 of its last 10 games against Phoenix.
- January 24, 2024 – Phoenix 132 vs. Dallas 109
- December 25, 2023 – Dallas 128 vs. Phoenix 114
- March 5, 2023 – Phoenix 130 vs. Dallas 126
- January 26, 2023 – Dallas 99 vs. Phoenix 95
- December 5, 2022 – Dallas 130 vs. Phoenix 111
- Oct. 19, 2022 – Phoenix 107 vs. Dallas 105
- May 15, 2022 – Dallas 123 vs. Phoenix 90
- May 12, 2022 – Dallas 113 vs. Phoenix 86
- May 10, 2022 – Phoenix 110 vs. Dallas 80
- May 8, 2022 – Dallas 111 vs. Phoenix 101