Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Phoenix Suns need a win and losses from Memphis and Portland loss to win the eighth seed.
• The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
• Dallas trails the season series 1-2.

Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Odds

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Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Predictions and Picks

This match is of little value to the Mavericks and the Suns are scorching hot. If anything is for certain it’s that Phoenix will light up the scoreboard.

Picks:

Phoenix Suns def. Dallas Mavericks -240

Point Spread -5.5 -110

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns

Head-to-Head: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns

Dallas Must Close Games

The Dallas Mavericks are 3-4 in the bubble and it all comes down to their inconsistency. Other than their blowout loss to the LA Clippers, Dallas’ losses have come by an average margin of 4.3 points.

A clear sign of a young team is their inability to close games. Whether Doncic has been on the court or not, Dallas has struggled to execute in the clutch.

It is not a crucial match for Dallas, they are set to meet the Clippers in the first round. While staying healthy and maintaining execution is important for them, one last chance at bringing home a win against a desperate team will be valuable come playoff time.

The Suns Can’t Just Outshoot Their Opponents

The Suns are 7-0 in the bubble, the best record amongst invited teams. Not only have they been beating teams, they’ve done it in the clutch and with time to spare. Against the Mavericks, they can’t let their guard down.

The Suns took a victory against the Mavs earlier in the season restart’s schedule, 117-115. While Phoenix shot 52.5% from the field, their opponents shot a less than stellar 40.9% from the floor and 19.4% from three..

It was a poor shooting night for the Mavericks from three on that evening, just six of 31 from deep. The Suns can’t rely on Dallas being passive to win this match. Dallas surely won’t shoot so poorly this time out, so protecting the three point line will be key to their victory.

Mavericks’ Key Player: (F) Kristaps Porzingis

Stay out of @kporzee‘s way when he gets ?
36 points ?
7 ?s#MFFL pic.twitter.com/a69rnsVJe6

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) August 12, 2020

Usually the focus is on All-Star guard Luka Doncic, but Kristaps Porzingis has been playing in a fashion that more than justifies his acquisition by the Mavericks.

Unsure of his production after a long layoff due to injury, Porzingis has produced 30.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game on 47.6% shooting from the field and 38.1% shooting from three.

His minutes will surely be limited in this match, but his performance against the interior-oriented DeAndre Ayton will open up a number of opportunities for the Dallas role players. Not to mention the fact that Porzingis is a walking mismatch.

Suns’ Key Player: (G) Devin Booker

An obvious selection @ConnsHomePlus #MakeItHappen Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/UiaMCsHSAC

— 7-0 (@Suns) August 11, 2020

On any other night, you could look at a role player, but in the game that will decide their playoff fate, all eyes are on Devin Booker.

The young star has been brilliant in his seven games, averaging 31.0 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds on 49.7% shooting from the field and 34.9% shooting from three.

Booker’s shooting is elite, which draws defenders and opens up opportunities for his teammates. Phoenix will need his playmaking as much as his scoring to beat the Mavericks.