Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns: Can Dallas Stop Phoenix at the Rim?

• The Dallas Mavericks show off their new-look team, opening against one of their 2022 NBA Playoff victims.
• After an eventful summer off the court, the Phoenix Suns want to get back on the winning track.
• The Suns won last year's regular season series 3-0.

Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Odds

Odds taken from DraftKings Sportsbook.

Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Predictions and Picks

Fresh off of an encouraging 2022 NBA Playoff campaign, the Dallas Mavericks are looking to establish themselves as one of the best in the West. However, despite this being a battle between perimeter stars, Phoenix's inside-out game should prove the difference-maker.

Picks:

Phoenix Suns def. Dallas Mavericks (-110)

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Head-to-Head: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns

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DAL: Can Dallas stop Phoenix at the Rim?

The Dallas Mavericks were one of the league's best defensive teams last season, making up for their overall lack of creativity on the offensive end. When they face off against the Phoenix Suns, they'll need to limit their opponent's success at the rim.

In the 2021-22 season, the Phoenix Suns were first in two-point field goals made per game and fourth in two-point field goal efficiency at 55.1%. It's not an exaggeration to say that the majority of their two-point conversions come off pick-and-roll play, so the Mavericks need to be prepared.

All eyes will be on the likes of Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber, who will be targeted by Paul and Ayton's screen-and-rolls. If they can establish their defence to open the game, and limit their chances at the rim, Dallas will have a great opportunity to open the season with a win.

Mavericks Key Player: (G) Luka Doncic

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is coming off of his best season as a pro and a summer where he competed at the European Championships for his nation. Doncic certainly won't need much warming up going into this season, but with the loss of Jalen Brunson, his responsibilities have grown.

Doncic is coming off of a season where he posted 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in 35.4 minutes per game. He was one of the highest-usage players in the NBA, and that doesn't project to change heading into this season.

The Mavericks beat the Suns in last year's NBA Playoffs, but that doesn't mean they have the immediate upper hand here. With a new cast surrounding him, he'll need to use his playmaking to create good opportunities for his teammates - against one of the league's most intimidating defences.

PHX: Can Phoenix Break Down Dallas' Perimeter Defence?

The Phoenix Suns come up against a Dallas Mavericks team that shocked them in last year's NBA Playoffs. Not only were they eliminated by Dallas in their last playoff game, but the scoreline also wasn't particularly kind to them. If they want to take a step toward redemption, Phoenix must overcome Dallas' three-point defence.

While Phoenix weren't the league's most prolific three-point shooting team last season, they were good enough for ninth in three-point efficiency. Memories of Phoenix's Game 5 and 6 losses in the 2022 NBA Playoffs will be fresh, as the Suns' starters were limited to just 7 of 27 shooting from deep.

Last year, the Mavericks held their opponents to 34% shooting from deep, good enough for fourth in the NBA. If the Suns want to have their screen-and-roll game in full effect, they need to punish Dallas with open shots.

Suns Key Player: (G) Devin Booker

Despite an NBA Finals appearance in 2021, Devin Booker failed to lead his Phoenix Suns back to an NBA title shot in 2022. He had a great season, but come the playoffs he wasn't able to push his team beyond the Dallas Mavericks. He'll be looking to prove himself in Phoenix's opening game against the Mavericks.

Booker is coming off a season where he posted averages of 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 46.6% shooting from the field. It's clear that he's benefitted from the playmaking ability of Chris Paul, allowing him to focus more on his scoring when needed.

To beat the Mavericks, Booker needs to get going early. The Suns' offence opens up when he can create mismatches, but it grows predictable when they rely purely on the screen and roll. For all of his offensive talent, Booker will have to play at his peak to keep up with the Mavericks.

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