Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns – Picks & Predictions

Line: Dallas -4.5

Coming off a crucial loss to their potential first round opponent, San Antonio Spurs, the Mavericks look to bounce back with a victory when they host the Phoenix Suns in a battle with major playoff implications.

As the Mavericks gear up to lock up a playoff spot, they finish the season playing both of the teams they are battling to make the playoffs.  Aside from playing the Suns, they head to the “Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll” on Wednesday to face Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies.  Despite losing to the Spurs, a victory over the Suns would means the Mavericks are heading back to the playoffs for the first time in two seasons.

But hosting potential coach of the year Jeff Hornacek and his Suns, a victory will not come easy. This season, the Suns have covered 27 of their first 37 road games en route to averaging 106 points, and Saturday night against the Mavericks should be no different. Despite the Mavericks winning 7 of their last 10 against the Suns, the teams have split this season series this year. Both games were played in Phoenix and saw Dallas win 110-107 while the Suns won the other 123-108.

As the final week of the season approaches, the Suns control their own playoff fate–win three of their final four games, and they’re in. There would be no scoreboard watching or worrying about what the other teams do, because they’ll have already guaranteed their fate.

Including a road victory against the Clippers, the Mavericks had won four out of five games, but their showing against the Spurs had me wondering which Dallas team is going to show up for the remainder of the season.

As the season is coming to an end, the way they played Thursday night means one thing.  I’m taking the Suns + 4.5 points. Hope you will too.