For much of this young 2025-26 season, the Dallas Mavericks have been a complete disaster. The beatings kept coming as morale steadily declined. However, morale is up these days after the news of yesterday, which saw Nico Harrison fired as the team’s general manager.
Does that mean the Mavericks can pull their way out of the tailspin they are in? Perhaps the Phoenix Suns offer a decent chance for the Mavs to do just that.
The Mavericks (3-8) find themselves in the middle of a four game homestand,
after losing the first against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, 116-114. Cooper Flagg had his best game as a pro in this contest, even as he was fighting through a thumb sprain to his shooting hand. The rookie sensation had 29 points and nine rebounds in the game, but the biggest thing for Flagg was his willingness to accept the challenge that Giannis Antetokounmpo brings.
Phoenix comes in at 6-5 on the campaign and having won five out of their last six games, including a sweep of a home and home series against the LA Clippers. Devin Booker has been phenomenal this season, averaging over 28 points a game while shooting 51% from the floor, 40% from deep and 88% at the foul line. He has a legitimate chance to be 50/40/90 this season. The Suns have also received great contributions from Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, both of whom are shooting above 44% from beyond the arc.
Injuries will likely play a part in this contest. The Suns are without Jalen Green, who will be out for at least a month after straining his hamstring. The Mavericks will look to get one or both of Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively back in this contest, both of whom are listed as questionable as of the time of this writing.
With that housekeeping out of the way, let’s get to the handicap.
Game Intangibles
Phoenix Suns (6-5) vs Dallas Mavericks (3-8)
Tipoff: 7:30p CT from the American Airlines Center in Dallas
How to watch: Mavs TV, KFAA or NBA League Pass
Game Odds as of 11:00a CT
Odds provided by the Fanduel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Wager responsibly!
Spread: Phoenix -1 (-106)
Over/Under: 227.5 points (-110)
Moneyline: Dallas (-104)
We’ve essentially got a coin flip on our hands tonight! The Mavs did open as favorites, but market movement now sees the Suns as very small road favorites.
Player Props of the night
Royce O’Neale over 10.5 points (-106)
Anthony Davis over 31.5 points + rebounds (-106)
Royce O’Neale is getting up nearly nine threes per game, and shooting 44% on those looks. Against a Mavericks team that, if Anthony Davis and Lively return, will be willing to give up those looks, I expect Mr. O’Neale to have himself a night. For Davis, maybe there is a minutes restriction here. Even still, Mark Williams is a very comfortable matchup here and I expect him to play well, even if he has a heavy heart in seeing his guy Nico Harrison fired.
Game Pick
Mavs +1 (-114)
The Suns are just 1-4 on the road, and the Mavs homecourt will undoubtedly be more positive without Nico Harrison around. Expect a home run effort from the home team tonight.
