Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns: Match Preview and Predictions - 29th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns
Date & Time: Friday, 29th November 2019 (9:00 PM ET)
Venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
Last game results
Dallas Mavericks (11-6): 99-114 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers (26th November, Tuesday)
Phoenix Suns (8-9): 130-142 loss to the Washington Wizards (27th November, Wednesday)
Dallas Mavericks Preview
After a disappointing 2018/19 NBA season in which they finished 14th in the Western Conference Standings, the Dallas Mavericks headed into the new campaign with tempered expectations.
Despite being billed as one of the favorites to bag a playoff berth, question marks remained surrounding the composition of the team, especially with regards to the strength of the supporting cast to 2019 Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic.
However, 17 games in, those questions have been put to rest as the Mavericks have raced off to an 11-6 start to the season, securing key victories over the likes of the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.
Their loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last time around brought an end to their five-game win streak, and they will be keen to get back to winning ways when they travel to Phoenix to take on the inconsistent Suns.
Key Player - Luka Doncic
Doncic provided glimpses of his potential in the 2018/19 season, as he averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6 assists in his rookie campaign. He's elevated his game to a whole new level this season and is currently averaging 30.1 points, 10 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game.
Doncic's showcased his ability to take over games and execute down the stretch numerous times this season and is currently a frontrunner for the MVP award.
Mavericks predicted lineup
Kristaps Porzingis, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Phoenix Suns Preview
After an encouraging start to the season, the Phoenix Suns have suffered a drastic dip in form of late. They've lost five of their last six games and head into their clash against the Mavericks on the back of a painful loss to the Washington Wizards.
Injuries have plagued the Suns' campaign thus far, with the likes of Ricky Rubio, Aron Baynes, and Dario Saric all missing significant game time.
However, despite their troubles, the Suns will still fancy their chances of securing a playoff berth come the end of the regular season. They currently occupy the eighth spot in the West with an 8-9 record and will look to notch up a few wins to get their campaign back on track.
Key Player - Devin Booker
Devin Booker has carried the Suns franchise on his narrow shoulders ever since being drafted by Phoenix with the 13th overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft.
The Suns' go-to scorer, Booker is averaging 24.9 points and 6.2 assists per game this season and is shooting a whopping 42.2% from three-point range.
He's poured in at least 30 points in five games already this campaign and will need to be at his free-scoring best if the Suns are to keep pace with the Mavericks' high-powered offense.
Suns predicted lineup
Kelly Oubre Jr, Dario Saric, Frank Kaminsky, Ricky Rubio, Devin Booker
Mavericks vs Suns Match Prediction
The Suns have dominated the recent head to head between these two teams, winning eight of their last 11 meetings. However, that's expected to change over the course of the next few games.
The Mavericks boast one of the best offenses in the league, averaging 117.9 points per game. Luka Doncic has proven to be virtually unguardable all season and the Phoenix Suns are unlikely to be able to find a way to contain the Slovenian.
The Suns are also in a bit of a funk, having dropped five of their last six games, and simply do not have the firepower to keep pace with Dallas.
Where to Watch Mavericks vs Suns?
The game will be broadcast on FOX Sports Southwest and FOX Sports Arizona from 9:00 PM (ET). You can live stream the game via NBA League Pass.