Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns 5/15/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Matchup Preview (5/15/22)

We are blessed to be getting a Game Seven in a series filled with stars who cannot stand one another! The Dallas Mavericks have shockingly extended this series to Game Seven after a dominant home performance in Game Six led by Luka Doncic and another incredible playoff performance! Most analysts would have predicted Phoenix to take care of business in five or six games; however, Dallas has been incredibly resilient. Doncic has had some bright moments in this series, but the overshadowing theme has been the new rivalry between Doncic and Devin Booker. Rebounding, turnovers, and defense will likely decide this game and, consequently series. Expect big games from Booker, Paul, and Doncic, but massive offensive numbers alone will not push their team to the Western Conference Finals. Take a look at the betting odds section and the analysis for each team below to see which team I believe will advance!

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds

It’s not quite the Mavs’ time to make a Western Conference Finals and have a serious shot at the NBA Finals. The Phoenix Suns have more experience in games like this; they also have been terrific at home in the playoffs, with their only loss coming in Game Two of the series against the New Orleans Pelicans. Additionally, the home team has won in every game this series, and I expect that trend to continue. Four of the six games thus far have also resulted in double-digit margins for the road team. I will take the Phoenix Suns against the spread up to seven points. It will be closer than most of the previous games, but Phoenix will pull away in the end.

Phoenix has controlled the pace in home games during this series. It has shot well over 50% from the field as a team and averages 120 points against one of the elite defensive teams in the NBA. Dallas knows that it will have to shoot at a high level to keep this game close, and it won’t hold Phoenix under 100 points. I will take the over in this matchup at 205 points even though the under has hit in two consecutive games.

How To Watch

Date: 5/15/22
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Arena: Footprint Center – Phoenix, AZ
Channel: TNT

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Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup

PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Jalen Brunson
SF: Reggie Bullock
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
C: Dwight Powell

Dallas Mavericks Analysis

It’s impressive that Dallas has been able to hang in this series with the Phoenix Suns, who were not far from winning the NBA Finals last season! Still, there are several areas the Mavs have to improve in if they want to sneak away with a road win in a pivotal Game Seven. For instance, despite boasting one of the league’s best defenses this season, Dallas has struggled at times holding Phoenix down, especially at Footprint Center. The Suns have a team 49/41/85 shooting split in this series, and their split gets even better at home. Dallas has to contest shots better if it wants to contend in this one; it is not a strong enough offensive team to outshoot the Suns in most situations. Additionally, Dallas has to close the gap in the rebounding margin. Those two improvements would allow the Mavs to stay competitive in Game Seven against a more experienced basketball team!

Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Jae Crowder
C: Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns Analysis

Phoenix is in a prime position to grab a home win in Game Seven and move on to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season. The Suns have been phenomenal at home this postseason, especially in this series. Their shooting split as a team has been over 50% from the field and 40% from deep, which is a recipe for success on the offensive end. Even though Chris Paul has had four mediocre games in this series, Phoenix has accomplished all of this. Paul is one of the two best players on this squad, and his averages of 9.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.5 turnovers per game during that stretch have forced other players on the Suns to step up. Ironically, Paul has shot it incredibly well, albeit scarcely, in that stretch; however, it has not mattered much because he has been in foul trouble in several games. They should advance if the Suns can get a vintage CP3 game and a solid effort from Devin Booker!