The 2021-22 NBA season goes on Wednesday, November 17, when Dallas and Phoenix open their three-game regular-season series, so we have prepared the best Mavericks vs. Suns betting pick along with the latest team stats and news.

The Mavs head to Footprint Center as 6.5-point road underdogs on BetDSI Sportsbook, while the totals are listed at 220.0 points. Dallas is without Maxi Kleber (oblique) and might miss Luka Doncic, who’s suffered an ankle injury last time out. On the other side, the Suns cannot count on Dario Saric (knee).

The Mavericks aim for their third straight W

The Dallas Mavericks improved to 9-4 SU and 5-8 ATS on the season following a 111-101 home victory over the Denver Nuggets this past Monday. They overcame a 13-point second-half deficit, as Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 29 points on 11-for-20 shooting from the field. The Mavs made 50.0% of their field goals and handed out 30 assists against one of the better defensive teams in the league.

Dallas has won five of its last six games overall, including the previous two. During that six-game stretch, Luka Doncic has averaged 26.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists a night, so his eventual absence would be a huge blow for the Mavericks’ offense.

The Mavs are tallying 107.6 points per 100 possessions (19th in the NBA) on 44.1% shooting from the field (tied-21st) and 33.3% from beyond the arc (tied-22nd). They rank sixth in the league in 3-point attempts per game (39.3).

The Suns look unstoppable 

The Phoenix Suns (10-3; 8-5 ATS) are rolling on a nine-game winning streak following a 99-96 victory at the Minnesota Timberwolves last Monday. They narrowly failed to cover a 4-point spread, but it was an ugly game, as both teams shot way below 40 percent from the field.

Chris Paul dominated the T-Wolves down the stretch, tallying 19 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton returned from a five-game absence caused by the leg injury and posted a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Devin Booker accounted for 29 points and five assists.

Booker is leading the way for the Suns this season, averaging 22.9 points, 6.0 boards, and 5.5 dimes per contest. The Suns are scoring 111.0 points per 100 possessions (4th in the NBA) on a 47.0% shooting from the field (tied-2nd) and 35.0% from beyond the 3-point line (14th).

Trends:

Dallas:

  • 0-6 ATS in the last six games against Phoenix
  • 6-12 ATS in the last 18 games overall
  • 2-5 ATS in the last seven games on the road 

Phoenix:

  • 7-1 ATS in the last eight games overall
  • 7-1 ATS in the last eight home games against Dallas
  • 6-1 ATS in the last seven games against the Western Conference 

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Pick

Luka Doncic has had a lot of problems with his ankles in the past, so we’ll consider his as questionable for Wednesday’s clash. If Luka hits the sidelines, the Suns shouldn’t have any problems winning this game by seven or more points, but covering the spread would be a tricky task if Doncic suits up.

The Suns are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 outings as favorites of 6.5 or fewer points. They’ve dominated the Mavs as of late, going 6-0 straight up and ATS in their last six encounters.

Pick: Take Phoenix Suns -6.5 at -110                  

The Total:

The Suns rank 11th in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions (105.5), while the Mavericks are right behind them (105.7). Phoenix plays at the fourth-fastest pace in the league, averaging 101.8 possessions per 48 minutes. The Mavs, on the other side, are tallying 97.6 possessions per 48 minutes (22nd in the league).

Hereof, I don’t expect to see a proper high-scoring affair. The Mavs will try to slow down things and keep in mind that Dallas is taking good care of the ball, making the fewest turnovers per 100 possessions (12.7). The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings between Dallas and Phoenix.

Pick: Go under 220.0 points at -110