Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Predictions, Odds & Picks

• One of the top players in MVP Odds, Luka Doncic looks to continue his stellar ascent with the Dallas Mavericks!
• Devin Booker finally has the partner he needs as Chris Paul joins the young Phoenix Suns in their race for the NBA Playoffs!
• In 162 regular-season games, the Suns lead the Mavericks 88-74.

Mavericks vs Suns Odds

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Mavericks vs Suns Predictions and Picks

One of the most exciting opening games on the schedule, the Dallas Mavericks look like the team to beat in this matchup. However, with renewed vigor, a versatile starting five, and a scoring ace in Devin Booker, we expect the Suns to come away with a victory in this opening match.

Pick:

Phoenix Suns to Win (-115)

How to Watch Mavericks vs Suns

Head-to-Head: Mavericks vs Suns

Dallas’ Offense Is Their Strength

The Dallas Mavericks’ offseason focus was to improve on the defensive end of the ball. While they added Josh Richardson and James Johnson to assist in that regard, Dallas’ preseason form suggests that their offense is still very intact.

Through their preseason schedule, the Mavericks have converted on 44.4% of their three-point attempts while also scoring 115.2 points per 100 possessions. Maintaining their focus on the three-point shot, 45% of their field goals were from three. Even with Luka Doncic struggling in the preseason, Rick Carlisle seems to have been able to instill his offensive mindset in his new group.

The Phoenix Suns aren’t a prolific defensive team, so Dallas shouldn’t have any issue scoring the ball. However, due to Phoenix’s DeAndre Ayton patrolling the paint, they should be mindful of their commitments attacking the rim.

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Bring Back the Pick-And-Roll!

The Phoenix Suns have been coveting a playmaker to spell Devin Booker for some time now. After a short stint with Ricky Rubio, the Suns found their man in perennial All-Star and eventual Hall of Famer Chris Paul. While most will speak about his partnership with Booker, his play with Ayton is just as, if not more, important.

Despite off-court issues, Ayton was excellent in his 38 games with the Phoenix Suns. He improved on almost every statistical category and shot 54.6% from the field while contributing 18.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Ayton’s scoring is mostly limited to the paint, converting on 72.5% of shots at the rim and dropping to 41.1% from three to ten feet. Of his 190 field goals at the rim, 138 were assisted. The addition of Paul in the screen and roll will only open up further opportunities for Ayton while allowing Booker less burden on the offensive end.

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Mavericks Key Player: (G) Luka Doncic

We know, we know, saying Luka Doncic is a key player for the Mavericks is like saying the basketball goes through the orange hoop – it’s obvious. However, after an MVP-calibre campaign, Doncic opens this season as the focal point for every defence and he is without running mate Kristaps Porzingis.

The 6’7 guard is coming off of a 28.8 point, 9.4 rebound, 8.8 assist season while shooting 46.3% from the field. He is Dallas’ primary scorer and distributor, but he’ll need to improve his efficiency this season.

Without a clear second option, the Suns are certain to collapse on Doncic in hopes of limiting his production. If Doncic can keep limit his turnovers the Mavericks will have a great chance of taking this game.

Suns Key Player: (G) Devin Booker

First-time All-Star in 2020, Devin Booker is looking to make his first playoff appearance in his now six-year professional career. He’s always been a capable offensive player, but with him now ceding playmaking duties to Paul, where will he succeed?

Booker averaged 26.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game in 19-20 while shooting 48.9% from the field.

A high-volume shooter, expect Booker to receive more quality shots if not less due to the playmaking ability of Paul. He is still the first option on offence, so navigating Dallas’ wing defenders off the ball will be crucial to finding good looks.