Suns Set Sights on Perfect Trip
NBA-best Phoenix Seeks to Extend Streak Over Dallas
The Phoenix Suns try to complete a sweep of a five-game trip as they visit the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns are favored in the NBA betting odds for the 21st straight game as they bring the league’s best record to Big D. The Mavericks have won four in a row and 10 of 11.
- Game: Phoenix Suns (34-9) at Dallas Mavericks (26-19)
- Location: American Airlines Arena
- Day/Time: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Television: TNT
Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks
Suns Blistering Opponents Despite Fallen Star
The Phoenix Suns started the two-step Texas leg of their journey with a 121-107 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. The Suns trailed 91-87 after three quarters as a 10-point favorite before taking the lead for good with 8 minutes, 50 seconds remaining. Phoenix led by at least 11 for the final 4:19. The 229 total when betting online provided some thrills. The Suns’ Bismack Biyombo dunked for the final points with 17.2 seconds and under players exhaled when the Spurs missed a 3-pointer at the horn.
Phoenix’s Devin Booker exploded for a season-high 48 points as the club continues to play like a team capable of winning the title. The Suns’ Deandre Ayton missed the game after leaving Sunday’s 135-108 victory over Detroit with an ankle injury. The 6-foot-11 center, who hopes to join Booker and Chris Paul on the All-Star team, has been ruled out against Dallas.
Mavericks Dominating Behind Dončić, Defense
The Dallas Mavericks are 3-0 on their homestand after a 102-98 triumph over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. The Mavericks took a 93-87 lead with 5:02 left but, 22 seconds later, the Raptors were covering the +4½ for good. The 207½ total in the Las Vegas odds seemed to be in reach before the teams combined to score 41 points in the fourth quarter. Dallas’ Luka Dončić continued his MVP-caliver play by scoring a season-high 41 points, matching a campaign best with 14 rebounds and adding seven assists. The 6-foot-7 Slovenian point guard averages 25.1 points, 8.8 points and 8.7 rebounds. The Mavericks yield 102.6 points per game – second-fewest in the league behind the Golden State Warriors. Dallas, which has won six straight at home for the first time since 2018, completes a grueling stretch by playing for the fifth time in seven nights.
Suns Can Continue S-U Series Roll
The Phoenix Suns have won eight in a row against the Dallas Mavericks straight-up. Dallas, however, covered as eight and 8½-point underdogs in the first two meetings of 2021-22 – both in Phoenix – by a combined 1½. The Suns were the winners against the spread in the previous six get-togethers. Phoenix is 24-9 ATS after winning three straight by a combined 37½ points of NBA spreads. The Suns are 6-2 in their last eight ATS. The Mavericks are 7-4 ATS during their recent run of straight-up success. The under has delivered in six straight and 10 of the last 11 Dallas games. The total was spotted at 206½ in broader betting markets but has since grown an eye-popping eight points. The spread opened at 2½ and briefly showed at 3½ before returning to its original number. Dallas is 5-2 straight-up and 4-3 ATS in the second of consecutive games. The Suns should find a way to rise again – even without Ayton – after two days off against what could wind up being a worn-down group of Mavericks.
