Who: Phoenix Suns (43-36) vs. Dallas Mavericks (25-54)
When: 7:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Suns are coming off one of their most physical and emotional games of the season against the Houston Rockets in a late-night fourth-quarter collapse. It was the first time every player from last summer’s blockbuster trade got to play, and the energy between the two teams was at playoff intensity. The Suns led
84-81 to start the fourth quarter, but could not withstand the Rockets’ physicality and talent to highlight yet another poor Suns fourth-quarter performance.
The Mavericks will not bring in the same level of playoff intensity into the final regular-season game in the Mortgage Matchup Center. They are 25-54 and have booked their offseason travel plans; all they need to do is go through the motions three more times. Meanwhile, the Suns are solidly in the play-in as the seventh seed in the West and only need one more win to ensure their position. The Suns won the first two games of this three-game regular season series and are looking to sweep another Western Conference bottom dweller this regular season.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Haywood Highsmith — OUT (Knee Injury Management)
Mavericks
- Cooper Flagg — PROBABLE — Left Wrist)
- Dereck Lively II — OUT (Foot Surgery)
- Kyrie Irving — OUT (Knee Surgery)
- PJ Washington — DOUBTFUL (Elbow Soreness)
- Caleb Martin — DOUBTFUL (Heel)
- Naji Marshall — DOUBTFUL (Left Hip Contusion)
- Daniel Gafford — DOUBTFUL (Shoulder)
What to Watch For
The player to watch this game is Rookie of the Year frontrunner Cooper Flagg, who has been sensational for the Mavericks. He is the engine of everything they do. Flagg recently scored 51 points in a game against the Magic, becoming the youngest player to score over 50 in an NBA game. He followed up that performance with 45 points against the Lakers in his next performance. He will be the most exciting player on the floor to watch, and the player at the top of the Suns’ scouting report.
The last time these two teams matched up, the Suns dominated the game early. They led by as much as 31 in the second quarter before the Mavericks inched their way back into the game, scoring in transition and getting to the free-throw line. The Mavericks shot 42 free throws compared to the Suns’ meager nine attempts. The Mavericks also outscored the Suns 27-10 in fastbreak points, with the majority coming in the second half against a Suns team that let off the gas too much.
Now that the Suns are back to full strength with Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks back in the lineup and a few games under their belt, the Suns need to build continuity and fast. Can the Suns get back to their maniacal effort and focus on defense, or will their sloppy, casual play over the last month continue to show itself?
Key to a Suns Win
The Suns have to defend, specifically without fouling. The Mavericks cannot score effectively in the half-court, so transition defense will be the biggest factor in the Suns gaining a decisive win. If the Suns get back in transition, it will be difficult for a poor shooting Mavericks team to score against an engaged defense. Getting back in transition will also put the Suns in the best position to defend without fouling.
The Suns have to avoid the emotional hangover from an intense loss against the Rockets and show up with a high level of focus to get what should be a decisive win against the Mavericks. If the Suns drop this game against the Mavericks, the Clippers will be nipping at their heels for that crucial 7-seed.
Prediction
The Suns beat the Mavericks.
Suns 118, Mavs 106
