On Sunday, 03/09, the Dallas Mavericks (32-32) will host the Phoenix Suns (29-34) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Mavericks have skidded to the 10th spot, whereas the Suns are stuck at the 11th spot in the West. Will the Suns take advantage of the thinned-down Mavs and improve their Play-in tournament chances? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Mavericks: Wounds are cutting deeper with each day
The Dallas Mavericks will enter the affair after an 11-point loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, despite a 31-point outburst by Brandon Williams. They are on a four-game losing streak and risk losing their Play-in tournament spot at this point. The move to trade Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis has backfired massively. NBA Insider Shams Charania reported AD is skeptical about his future with the franchise after just one game. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving’s season-ending injury has forced the team to pitch forth third-string squads at this point. Will the Mavs be thrown out of playoff contention by the end of March? The odds are against them.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Dante Exum | SG: Max Christie | SG/SF: Klay Thompson | SF/PF: Kessler Edwards | SF/PF: Naji Marshall
Key Injuries/Updates: Kyrie Irving and Olivier-Maxerence Prosper are OUT for the season. Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Jaden Hardy are OUT due to long-term injuries. The status of PJ Washington is UNCLEAR.
Suns: Terrible defense is undermining a high-octane offense throughout the season
The Suns enter the affair after an 8-point OT loss against the Denver Nuggets despite a 34-point performance by Devin Booker. They are 4-12 since February, rendering them unable to get back to the Play-in tournament contention. During the last 15-game stretch, they have the worst defensive performances, conceding 125.1 points per game as they are unable to force turnovers(10.4 opponent turnovers per game is the worst output). The lack of hustle has tremendously affected the team, as they are unable to pitch forth sustainable defensive lineups. A win in this game is crucial for Kevin Durant and Co. as they will face a tricky 4-game stretch after this fixture.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG/SG: Bradley Beal | PG/SG: Devin Booker | SF: Kevin Durant | PF: Bol Bol | C: Nick Richards
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Cody Martin and Monte Morris is UNCLEAR.
Both teams are lacking a strong defense right now, opening the floodgates for a high-scoring game. The Mavericks are much more short-handed, enabling 130+ points at this juncture, while the Suns have given up 120+ regularly. But offensively, the Suns are much well-endowed and likely to score 115+ more often. Meanwhile, the Mavs have been limited to a maximum of 110 points, espescially since the injury to Kyrie Irving. I expect the overall total to be around 235-245.
Projected Predictions:
Klay Thompson to nail over 3.5 triples: The off-guard has made over 3 triples per game regularly this season, converting 4 or more threes in four of the last six games. I expect him to be in the 4-6 range here.
Naji Marshall to grab over 7.5 rebounds: The forward has grabbed 11 rebounds in two straight games. He has a chance to be in the 8-10 range without the presence of a regular center, apart from bench player Dwight Powell.
Kevin Durant to score over 30.5 points: KD has tallied 26.9 PPG throughout the season and has maintained the season average in the last five games. I see him notch over 30 points against the weakened Mavs defense.
Nick Richards to grab over 10.5 rebounds: The Suns center has gobbled up around 9 rebounds per game since January. He can grab at least 11 rebounds against the undersized Mavs lineup.
The Suns are in a much better position than the Mavs because of their full-strength lineup. While their core has been struggling to beat even average teams, this is a golden opportunity to stitch together a huge win. I see the Mavs being competitive for a quarter or two, but the Suns should blow them out here.
Safe Spread Pick: Suns -10.5 for +135 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas- Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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