Luka and Mavs lockdown visiting Suns

Tony Reyes
By , Updated on: Feb 22, 2024 12:00 AM
A black-and-white image shows two basketball players in conversation on a court. One player wears a
  • When: Thursday, February 22th at 7:30 PM ET
  • Who:Ā Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks
  • Where: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX

The Dallas Mavericks, fresh off a trade boost and streaking with wins, are set to outshine the Phoenix Suns in a home-court showdown.

The hardwood is set, and the stakes are high as the Dallas Mavericks gear up to host the Phoenix Suns in what's shaping up to be a Western Conference spectacle.

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As someone who's been keeping tabs on the NBA's pulse, I'm here to break down the why and how Dallas looks like the squad to back in this clash.

Game Preview

Let's talk home court advantage - it's real, and the Mavs are living proof. With a solid 4-1 SU in their last 5 home games, the energy at American Airlines Center is electric, and the Mavs are thriving in it.

MoneylineBetOnlineBetUSBovada
Phoenix Suns+125+125+120
Dallas Mavericks-145-145-140

They've been putting on a clinic, showing off a 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. That kind of momentum doesn't just fizzle out, especially when the crowd is on your side fueling every fast break and three-pointer.

I know the Suns aren't slouches, but Dallas has been on a different kind of tear since the PJ Washington trade. The acquisition of Washington and Daniel Gafford has given the Mavericks a much-needed size and skill boost.

These guys have been straight-balling since they arrived, with Gafford dropping a cool 15 points with 12 rebounds on average and Washington adding his own punch off the bench. This is the kind of depth that can take a team from good to great.

Phoenix Suns To win game
BetOnline
+125

And let's talk about star power. Luka Doncic, the Mavs' maestro, is leading the Western Conference with a monstrous 34.2 ppg.

Add Kyrie Irving's 25.2 points per contest into the mix, and you've got a dynamic duo that's hard to top. Sure, the Suns have their own arsenal, but with the Mavs' recent additions, they have more weapons at their disposal.

Speaking of recent events, the Suns might be feeling the post-All-Star fatigue with their stars having less rest than Doncic, the lone Maverick, at the festivities. That extra bit of recovery and practice time could be crucial in a game that's likely to be a high-tempo, high-intensity battle.

Dallas Mavericks To win game
BetOnline
-145

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Total Points

Total PointsBetOnlineBetUSBovada
Over 243.5 Points-110-110-110
Under 243.5 Points-110-110-110

Plus, there's the not-so-small matter of Dallas wanting to settle the score. With the season series tied at 1-1, the Mavs are itching to clinch their first series win over the Suns since the 2015-16 season.

And if the basketball gods are keeping score, Dallas has been shooting a sizzling 50.2% from the field in their last 10 games, while Phoenix's opponents have been averaging 113.8 points. If that doesn't scream "advantage Mavericks," I don't know what does.

Now, I'm not saying this will be a cakewalk for Dallas. The Suns have shown they can ball with the best of them, and Devin Booker dropping 46 points the last time they met is no joke. But with the Mavs' current form, the home advantage, and the trade boost, they've got the edge.

So, for those looking to ride the Mavericks' wave, the smart money's on Dallas to bag this win in what I'm predicting will be a lower-scoring affair than the stat sheets suggest.

Why? Defense gets dialed up in these pivotal matchups, and with both teams aware of the playoff implications, expect them to lock in and battle for every possession.

In conclusion, when the Mavericks and Suns face off, it's more than just a game; it's a statement. And this Thursday, expect Dallas to make theirs loud and clear.

It's not just about extending their win streak but proving they're the real deal in the West. So buckle up, because the Mavs are ready to take everyone on a wild ride, and this one's going through Phoenix territory.

Under 243 Points Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks
BetOnline
-110

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Meet the author

Tony Reyes

With years of experience as an analyst, Tony brings an expert voice to picks and predictions. His passion for sports betting is evident in his coverage, which not only informs and entertains but also shares his love for the game. When he's not watching or covering t...

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