Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks 5/12/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream
Contents
Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks Matchup Preview (5/12/22)
The Phoenix Suns (3-2) will attempt to eliminate the Dallas Mavericks (2-3) in Game 6 on Thursday night. The Suns demolished the Mavericks 110-80 in Game 5 because they won crucial categories, such as shooting splits, offensive rebounds, and turnovers. Devin Booker paced the team in scoring with 28 points on a 55 FG% and 42.8 3PT%. Deandre Ayton dominated down low to the tune of 20 points and 8 rebounds on a 69.2 FG%. Chris Paul didn’t score much (7 points), but he had 10 assists while orchestrating the offense. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson both chipped in 14 points as well. Jae Crowder fouled out in 26 minutes, but Phoenix’s wing depth overcame that problem. Phoenix will be desperate to end this series because anything can happen in a Game 7, especially when the opponent has superstar Luka Doncic on the court.
Dallas had a terrible 38/25/66 shooting split, and it didn’t help that they had 16 less FGA than the Suns. Luka Doncic produced 28 points and 11 rebounds, but he shot a 43.4 FG% and 25 3PT%. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points on 9/17 shooting, so he had a decent night offensively. Davis Bertans contributed 10 points off the bench on 3/4 from three. No other player outside of them scored 10+ points. Dorian Finney-Smith added 8 points on 2/5 from three, while Reggie Bullock went scoreless. The Mavericks were only down 3 at halftime, but they utterly collapsed in the second half. If they want to extend this series, they must take care of the ball and revert to their Game 5 shooting.
Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks Betting Odds
The spread for Game 6 is set at +2 Mavericks, and I like the Suns to cover. Dallas is 2-0 at home this series, but Phoenix was the best road team during the regular season. They have a higher ceiling both offensively and defensively, as well as the talent edge. While it will be a war, the Suns are going to prevail because of Booker’s scoring and their wing defense. The over under is at 212 total points, and I expect the under to hit. It’s going to be a defensive slugfest, and both teams have been inconsistent shooting-wise.
If you're in a state with legal sports betting, you can bet on this game! Lineups has exclusive new sign up bonuses from the top legal Sportsbooks online.
TV Schedule
Date: 5/12/22
Time: 9:30 PM ET
Arena: American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
Channel: ESPN
Live Stream Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks Free Online: Watch Every NBA Game
You can stream this game online for free. You can get a free 7-day trial and live stream NBA games from any device. Click the banner below and start watching.
Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Jae Crowder
C: Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Analysis
With Jae Crowder in foul trouble, Cameron Johnson stepped up on both ends of the court. He scored 14 points on 5/8 from the field while spacing the floor for teammates. Defensively, he recorded 2 steals and 1 block. Johnson defended 18 FGA in Game 5 – the highest mark for both teams – and held Dallas to a 27.8 FG% on those attempts. When he is playing tough defense, the Suns have a formidable defensive duo in Johnson and Bridges (who had 4 steals in Game 5). Dallas has to fight for every shot in this instance and nothing is easy. Crowder is solid defensively, but he doesn’t bring the scoring capability that Johnson has. Phoenix will continue to start Crowder; however, closing with Johnson is deadlier.
Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup
PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Jalen Brunson
SF: Reggie Bullock
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
C: Dwight Powell
Dallas Mavericks Analysis
Finney-Smith and Bullock need more shot attempts in Game 6. They combined for only 8 3PA in Game 5, which will not get the job done. In the postseason, Finney-Smith is shooting 40.5% on 6.7 catch and shoot 3PA, while Bullock is at 40.3% on 6.5 catch and shoot 3PA. They have been vital to the Mavericks offense all postseason because they weaponize Luka’s drives. If Dallas doesn’t feed them shots, then the Mavericks are much easier to stop. This lack of 3PA was partly why Dallas was held to 80 points in Game 5. The Mavericks are fighting for their playoff life here, so they need to return to what has been working for them all playoffs.
