Luka Doncic did everything he could to will Dallas to a victory in Game 2, but couldn’t come close to matching the total team effort of the Phoenix Suns. Now trailing 2-0, the Mavericks will need to find their answer on defense to try and keep an efficient Phoenix team at bay. Playing in front of a home crowd should at least provide some comfort for Dallas Mavericks.
The Suns, who looked sluggish in their first-round series with New Orleans, have looked like the team that made the NBA Finals last season. What has helped Phoenix the most is that Devin Booker has looked just as effective as he used to since returning from his injury in the first round. If Booker is able to sustain his current level of play, Phoenix could make this a short series.
Last game Records
Phoenix beat Dallas 129-109 May 4 in Phoenix. The Suns lead the series 2-0.
Matchup Information
Suns at Mavericks Betting Analysis
Phoenix Betting Analysis
Boy, did the Suns’ offense look good against what is a strong Dallas defensive team. The Suns shot 64.5 percent (49-of-76) from the field in Game 2. Phoenix was also deadly from the perimeter, making 52 percent of its 3-pointers. But it wasn’t just offense that carried the Suns.
Phoenix also held a 34-25 edge in rebounding. The Suns also outscored Dallas 50-32 in the paint. Phoenix guard Devin Booker scored a game-high 30 points, while point guard Chris Paul finished with 28 points and eight rebounds. When Phoenix really shined was in the fourth quarter.
The Suns closed out the game with a 14-point advantage in the fourth quarter and had Dallas ready to head home well before the game ended.
Dallas Betting Analysis
One thing that is nice about losing an ugly game in a seven-game series is that it is just one game. While the pressure is now on the Mavericks to protect homecourt, there were positives from their last loss. Collectively, Dallas shot 45.6 percent from the floor, while also making 41.5 percent of its 3-pointers.
Doncic’s 35 points led the way, but the Mavericks lacked secondary scoring. The Mavericks received 16 points from Reggie Bullock and Spencer Dinwiddie added 11. Dallas will need to find a way to spread things out in Game 3.
More alarming for the Mavericks are their defensive struggles. Dallas has allowed Phoenix to score 120 or more points in both games of this series.
Updates
Phoenix doesn’t have any injuries of note. Dallas also doesn’t have any injuries of note.
- Phoenix is 50-40 against the spread.
- Dallas is 52-36-2 against the spread.
- The over has gone 47-43 in the Suns’ games.
- The over has gone 35-53-2 in the Mavericks’ games.
- Phoenix is 39-30 against the spread following a win.
- Dallas is 28-26-2 against the spread following a loss.
Suns at Mavericks Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have Dallas as a 1-point favorite. You can also make NBA picks on the Mavericks as -109 on the moneyline, while the Suns are also -109. The over/under is set at 219.5 points.
Suns at Mavericks Betting Prediction
Betting stats NBA show this game will open as a coin flip. But based on how this series has progressed so far it feels more like a mismatch. Phoenix has a number of options to score and they are laser-focused on moving the ball and playing effective basketball. If the Suns can continue to get good lucks they will run the Mavericks off the court.
Dallas will need to rediscover its roots on defense if it wants to climb back in the series. The Mavericks will also need to find other players to score more efficiently outside of Doncic. Dallas was OK offensively in Game 2, but can’t afford many more performances like that against a powerhouse like Phoenix.
This game is a tough pick because of the game being in Dallas. The Suns won’t shot quite so well in this one, but will be able to get the job done on the road.
How to Bet Suns at Mavericks
Bet on Dallas -6.5.
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