2024 NBA Week 18 Match Preview - Phoenix vs. Dallas: Can the Suns stop the Mavericks' six-game winning streak? February 22, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

On Thursday, the 2024 NBA season resumes after the All-Star with featured match between two powerhouse Western Conference team. The Phoenix Suns will face the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Tip-off is set 7:30PM ET.

The Phoenix Suns hopes to continue their momentum in the second half of the season. Before the All-Star break, they have won five out of their last six games and has a two-game winning streak. Their improved play has coincided with the return of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley in their lineup. The Suns have their own version of the Big 3 playing side by side and now healthy to compete.

The Dallas Mavericks are riding on a six-game winning streak before the All-Star Break. They will open their 2nd half schedule at home and they have a chance to leapfrog the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference standing if they beat the Suns. The Mavericks' improved play was evident during the return of Kyrie Irving from his injury and the addition of PJ Washington before the trade deadline.

Injury Report

Phoenix Suns

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Bradley Beal	SG	Game Time Decision

Dallas Mavericks

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Dereck Lively II	C	Game Time Decision
Maxi Kleber	PF	Game Time Decision
Dante Exum	G	Out

Sports Bet Odds

The Mavericks are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Mavericks are favored by 2.5 points, with a money line of -145.
• The Suns are the underdogs by 2.5 points, with a money line of +125.
• The over/under is set at 243 points, with the over at -115 and the under at -105.

Both teams have split their first two matchup this season. Turnovers are the main problem for Phoenix. The Mavericks can exploit this because they are a superb fastbreak team. With Doncic and Irving playing together, expect a much quicker pace during the game. The Suns must control their mistakes, slow the pace and force Dallas to half-court plays.

Team Stats

Phoenix Suns 2nd Pacific Division (33-22) Away (15-11) STRK W2		Dallas Mavericks 2nd Southwest Division (32-23) Home (17-13) STRK W6
117.6	Point Per Game	118.7
114.3	Points Allowed	117.2
49.9	FG% Per Game	47.8
43.2	Rebounds Per Game	42.2