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The Phoenix Suns host Game 2 as the Dallas Mavericks look to even the series! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Mavericks-Suns prediction and pick.
The Mavericks' 4th quarter comeback was not enough to steal Game 1 from the Suns. Phoenix controlled the entire game but allowed 35 points in the fourth to the Mavs led by none other than Luka Doncic. Doncic scored 45 in the loss but his performance shows why the young star is on pace to be one of the top players in the entire NBA. With Devin Booker back for the Suns, however, they are too dominant to overthrow right now as the favorites in the West.
Here are the Mavericks-Suns NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavericks-Suns Odds
Dallas Mavericks: +6.5 (-114)
Phoenix Suns: -6.5 (-106)
Over: 216.5 (-110)
Under: 216.5 (-110)
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Why The Mavericks Could Cover The Spread
Luka did everything he could in the loss and that is a huge problem in this series. The team is filled with great role players but outside of Jalen Brunson, nobody has that “it” factor. The Mavs rely on Luka and it just showed that he can have a monster game and still lose. Brunson played poorly shooting 6-16 and ending with just 13 points. Spencer Dinwiddie shot only 3-8 and so who is going to step up and help Luka when it's needed the most? Max Kleber? His presence was known as he shot the lights out going 5-8 from three and 6-9 overall. But he would need to do that every game if they want to keep the scoring tight.
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The defensive end is a whole other story. The Mavericks were one of the top defensive teams all season long. They finished the regular season second behind the Boston Celtics in opponent's points per game at 104.7. The Celtics finished at 104.5 and were considered the best defensive team all season long. Dallas is also third in the postseason at 102.1 behind the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. The Mavs have relied on their defense for a majority of the season outside of Luka Doncic. The problem is the Suns are one of the best offensive teams in the league and scored 121 in Game 1.
With Devin Booker back now for the Suns, it's going to take a perfect game every game for the Mavs in order for them to win this series.
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
The Suns won by seven in Game 1 and this spread is currently at 6.5. They are capable of covering this spread because they are simply the better team. Six players scored in double figures as all five of the starters scored at least 11 points. Cam Johnson scored 17 off the bench and with Cameron Payne and JaVale McGee playing well off the bench the Suns are loaded with depth. That depth is needed at this stage of the season and their experience from last season's NBA Finals run is showing right now.
Booker, CP3, and DeAndre Ayton are the best big three right now in the playoffs. Paul didn't miss a shot in the closing game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round. His presence is very valuable to this organization and it's benefiting Booker and Ayton. Because of this, I just can't see the Mavericks winning this series. They might be able to sneak a win in Dallas but playing in Pheonix is hardly impossible to win at this point.
Final Mavericks-Suns Prediction & Pick
Take the Suns to cover this spread at home as they should control the game once again. I don't think they will allow the Mavs to keep it close this time. The over at 216.5 (-110) should hit as they scored a combined 235 in Game 1
Final Mavericks-Suns Prediction & Pick: Suns -6.5 (-106) & over 216.5 (-110)
