Phoenix-suns vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions December 27th 2024

Mavericks Face Suns Without Luka Doncic to Open Road Trip

The Dallas Mavericks will begin a four-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns on Friday, but they’ll do so without star guard Luka Doncic, sidelined with a left calf strain suffered during the Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Mavericks Adjust to Doncic’s Absence

Doncic’s injury comes as the Mavericks (18-10) have been surging, with only four losses in their past 18 games. Without him, Dallas is 6-2 this season, showing the team’s ability to adapt. Coach Jason Kidd expressed confidence in the group but acknowledged Doncic’s irreplaceable value:
“I think this is a group that can win, and they believe that. But we also need him.”

Key Adjustments for Dallas:

• Kyrie Irving: Fresh off a 39-point performance against Minnesota, Irving will lead the charge in Doncic’s absence.
• Role Players: P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II will be critical. Washington has stepped up before, delivering 27 points and 17 rebounds in a game without Doncic earlier this season.
• Lively’s Status: Lively (left hip) is questionable but could play a pivotal role with his interior presence if cleared.

Suns Battle Without Devin Booker

The Suns (16-12) also face challenges as Devin Booker (left groin strain) remains out for a fourth straight game. Despite his absence, Phoenix snapped a three-game skid with a 110-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

Phoenix’s Key Contributors:

• Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal: Both scored 27 points in the win over Denver, showcasing leadership and offensive firepower.
• Rediscovering Energy: Coach Mike Budenholzer challenged the team to focus on the fundamentals, and Durant highlighted the importance of physicality and energy:
  “When you can’t make shots … just that physicality and that energy is a good remedy.”
• Grayson Allen: Still in concussion protocol, Allen will miss his third consecutive game, creating additional rotation challenges.

Head-to-Head and Key Matchups

Phoenix leads the season series 2-0 against Dallas, including a one-point road win on Nov. 8. Luka Doncic was dominant in those matchups, averaging 35 points, while Kevin Durant shone for the Suns with a 28.5-point average.

Matchups to Watch:

1. Kyrie Irving vs. Bradley Beal: Both guards will have to take on heavy offensive responsibilities for their teams.
2. Interior Battle: With Lively questionable, the Mavericks could struggle against Phoenix’s big men, led by Deandre Ayton.
3. Durant’s Leadership: His scoring and versatility could make the difference in a game where both teams are missing key stars.

What’s at Stake

• Mavericks: Maintaining their momentum and finding ways to win without Doncic on a challenging road swing.
• Suns: Building on their impressive victory over Denver to solidify their standing in the Western Conference.

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Prediction

While the Mavericks have proven capable of winning without Doncic, the Suns’ home-court advantage and the leadership of Durant and Beal give them the edge. Expect a close contest with Phoenix pulling away late.