Next on our NBA schedule is a Western Conference battle between the Dallas Mavericks (25-24, 8-15 Away) and Phoenix Suns (25-24, 18-7 Home) on Thursday night. Tip-off from Footprint Center is scheduled for 10:00 pm EST and will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
This is the third of four regular-season meetings between these two, with the final encounter set for March 5 in Dallas. The two opened the year against each other, resulting in a two-point Suns victory, and then the Mavericks evened things up in December in blowout fashion. It’s certainly one of the more compelling NBA matchups on the card today, so let’s dive deeper to reveal our final Mavericks vs Suns betting pick.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Odds
According to the odds, the Suns are 1.5-point favorites on Thursday night with an over/under of 222.5 points. Phoenix is -120 on the moneyline, while Dallas is +100.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Information
Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns
Location of the game: Footprint Center. Phoenix, AZ.
Date: Thursday, January 26. 10:00 pm ET.
How to watch: TNT.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Game Analysis
Dallas Mavericks Performance Recap and Analysis
The Mavericks have dropped to the 6th seed in the West thanks to a recent skid that’s seen them lose five of their last six and seven of their previous nine, including two in a row entering Thursday. On January 7, they were a season-best six games above .500 and could drop even lower with the 4-12 seeded teams separated by just two-and-a-half games.
It’s worthwhile to point out from the Dallas Mavericks stats that Luka Doncic leads the NBA in scoring and is fourth in assists. A legit MVP candidate.
Key Injuries
Injuries will be a big part of deciding on our NBA picks today, and we start with the Mavericks, who have a bit of good news/bad news at the moment. Christian Wood, who has emerged as a second or third option in Dallas, fractured his thumb last week and will be re-evaluated soon to determine the length of his absence.
On the flip side, Maxi Kleber told reporters recently that a torn hamstring will not keep him out for the season, and he expects to return at some point after the All-Star break.
Betting Trends to Know
As we look at the NBA odds today, it’s important to note that the Mavericks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Thursday games but 8-22 ATS in their last 30 road games and 10-25-2 ATS in their last 37 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Phoenix Suns Performance Recap and Analysis
As we mentioned, a Mavs loss tonight means a jump in the Phoenix Suns standings, as the home team would leapfrog Dallas for at least a night. There’s a lot more publicity surrounding the team off the court (the team’s sale to Mat Ishbia is expected to be formally announced within the next two weeks), but on it, the Suns have won four in a row.
It’s a much-needed streak after experiencing a stint where they lost 12 of 14, including six straight at one point as they battled through injuries.
Key Injuries
Speaking of, the Suns have been hit hard by the injury bug and remain without key contributors like Deandre Ayton, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, and, most importantly, Devin Booker. Booker will miss at least another week as he recovers from a groin injury that has kept him out of action since the end of December. Very important when deciding on Mavericks vs Suns betting picks.
One thing that sticks out when looking at the NBA player stats in the desert is that Mikal Bridges has stepped up in his teammates’ absence. The fifth-year standout from Villanova is averaging nearly 23 ppg over his last six ball games.
Betting Trends to Know
Not only have the Suns won four straight, but they’ve also covered in all four wins. Phoenix is also 6-1 ATS in their last seven Thursday games, and the Under is 5-1 in the Suns’ last six home games vs a team with a losing road record.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Picks
All of the trends favor the home team for this nationally-televised showdown, despite the rash of injuries the Suns are dealing with. The Booker news has to be deflating, but they’ve still allowed the sixth-fewest points per game in the league when looking at NBA team stats.
Luka will get his (he posted 35 and 33 in the first two meetings), but it won’t be enough as they drop their third in a row, and the teams change places in the Western Conference standings. See below for our final Mavericks vs Suns betting pick and final score prediction.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Score Predictions
Suns 118, Mavericks 110
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