The Phoenix Suns are on a quest to extend their winning streak to seven games as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks this Friday night. Even with an impressive 7-1 record that places them at the top of the Western Conference, the Suns enter the game as three-point underdogs.
Analysts suggest that while the Suns’ +3.4 Net Rating indicates they may have experienced some fortune in building their strong record, their success is largely a result of noticeable improvements in the fourth quarter. Comparing this season to their last, the Suns seem more equipped to maintain their winning momentum.
In terms of odds, the Suns are positioned as follows:
– Spread: Suns +3 (-108)
– Moneyline: Suns +120
– Total: Over/Under at 232
The Suns have formed a powerful lineup, dubbed the “Big Three,” by acquiring Bradley Beal to join Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Despite injuries sidelining Beal for a significant portion of last season, the Suns managed to win 49 games and secure a sixth-place finish in the conference. Beal recently reflected on the impact of his injuries, indicating that if he had remained healthy, the team’s performance could have seen even greater success.
Conversely, the Dallas Mavericks are coming off last season’s NBA Finals appearance and currently hold a 5-3 record. They bolstered their frontcourt by adding P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, which enhanced their defensive capability. However, with Washington currently out due to a knee injury, the Mavericks may feel his absence. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving lead the Mavericks, but there are concerns about the team’s consistency early in this season.
Overall, betting experts see improvement in the Suns’ fourth-quarter performance as a crucial factor in their development compared to last year. With Tyus Jones stepping into the point guard role, the team may better utilize its star talents and bolster bench depth.
Best Bet: Suns +3 (-108, BetRivers)
The upcoming matchup presents an exciting opportunity for both teams to showcase their growth and determination. If the Suns can maintain their late-game performance and the Mavericks can find their rhythm despite injuries, fans can expect a thrilling contest that could propel either team further in the early NBA season.