The Dallas Mavericks, currently on a seven-game losing streak, face a challenging task as they prepare to take on the Phoenix Suns. With a record of 19-33 and 12th place in the Western Conference, the Mavericks are in dire need of a victory to halt their downward spiral. The Suns, on the other hand, boast a strong 31-22 record and hold the seventh spot in the Western Conference. This highly anticipated match-up is set to take place in Phoenix on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.
The Suns have a remarkable 21-15 record against Western Conference opponents, while their performance against teams above the 0.500 threshold stands at 14-17. Conversely, the Mavericks have struggled against conference opponents, amassing an 11-23 record. Dallas's defensive struggles are evident, as they concede 117.2 points per game, resulting in a 3.0-point deficit compared to their opponents. Conversely, the Mavericks' offensive prowess is showcased by their 47.0% field goal shooting percentage, which is 0.2% higher than the 46.8% shooting percentage of the Suns' opponents.
This season's first encounter between the two teams ended in a Suns victory with a score of 123-114 on November 13. The Suns' top performers include Collin Gillespie, who averages 13.6 points and 4.7 assists, and Dillon Brooks, who has been on fire with 22.1 points per game over the last 10 games. For the Mavericks, P.J. Washington leads the way with 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while Cooper Flagg has been a standout with 22.0 points and 6.6 rebounds over the same period.
In the last 10 games, the Suns have displayed a balanced performance, with an average of 109.0 points, 41.9 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 9.9 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game, while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have managed to score an average of 109.4 points. The Mavericks, on the other hand, have struggled in their last 10 games, with an average of 116.6 points, 46.9 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 7.2 steals, and 5.0 blocks per game, while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have outpaced them with an average of 118.3 points.
Injury concerns for both teams include the Suns' Isaiah Livers, who is day-to-day with a shoulder injury, Cole Anthony, who is day-to-day for non-injury reasons, and Grayson Allen, who is also day-to-day with a knee injury. The Mavericks' roster is depleted by the absence of Dereck Lively II, who is out for the season due to a foot injury, Khris Middleton, who is day-to-day for non-injury reasons, and Kyrie Irving, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
This match-up promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams facing their own set of challenges. The Mavericks will need to find a way to stop the Suns' offensive onslaught and reverse their losing streak. Meanwhile, the Suns will aim to capitalize on their home court advantage and secure a victory to maintain their playoff aspirations.
