Mavericks vs Suns Game Info
2022-23 NBA Regular Season'Game
Dallas Mavericks (0-0, 0-0 Away) vs.'Phoenix Suns'(0-0, 0-0 Home)
Date:'Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022
Time:'10 p.m. ET
Venue:'Footprint Center – Phoenix, AZ
Coverage:'ESPN
The 2022-23 NBA season-opening week continues on Wednesday, featuring a significant Western Conference matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. This tilt is actually a rematch of last year's Western Conference Semifinals, where the Mavericks managed to eliminate the Suns in seven games.
Can the Mavericks show that the playoffs weren't a fluke by winning in Phoenix yet again? Or will the Suns get revenge for last year's postseason elimination with a victory in front of a packed Footprint Center crowd?
Mavericks vs Suns Odds & Spread
Moneyline:'DAL: (+158) | PHX: (-188)
Spread:'DAL: +4.5 (-110) | PHX: -4.5 (-110)
Total:'216.5 -Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
The Suns enter this contest as clear home favorites on the moneyline and spread on FanDuel Sportsbook's odds. This 10 p.m. ET clash also features a total of 216.5, which is low compared to the other projected opening week totals so far.
Mavericks vs Suns Prediction & Pick
The Mavericks have a lot to prove this season after last year's deep playoff run. Having said that, it's far from an easy task considering how they lost Jalen Brunson this offseason. Spence Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr. must step up even more than they did last season, but there's no hiding that there's a void in Dallas' backcourt following Brunson's departure.
For the most part, this is a similar Suns team compared to last year. They're likely still upset after being eliminated by the Mavs last season, so look for them to start hot. Even with Chris Paul finally showing his age, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges are still one of the better young trios in the Association.
As good as Doncic is (32 .6 PTS/9.9 REB/7.0 AST against the Suns in the playoffs), he's only one man. Christian Wood's presence should help him, but the Suns have a deep roster and good enough defense to ice out the Mavericks' supporting cast.
Look for the Suns to open up their slate with a victory over the Mavericks
Final Score Prediction:'Suns: 113 | Mavericks: 106
Mavericks vs Suns Betting Trends
– Dallas is 1-6 against the spread (ATS) in its last seven road games.
– Phoenix is 8-1 straight up in its last nine home games ag ainst Dallas.
– The total has hit the under in each of Dallas' last six games in October.
– The total has hit the under in four of Phoenix's last five games against Dallas.
Mavericks vs Suns Best Bet
Though a 216.5-point total doesn't seem like a lot, the Suns and Mavericks finished below it in each of the last five games of their 2021-22 playoff series. Both teams also owned top-10 scoring defenses last season and I'm fully expecting that to be the case this season.
Despite the offensive talent involved, I'm inclined to back the under in this season opener.