Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks 5/6/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks Matchup Preview (5/6/22)

Game Two was convincing. The Phoenix Suns rolled in the second half after the Dallas Mavericks had a first-half lead, albeit small. Phoenix outscored Dallas by 22 points in the second half, mainly due to Chris Paul and Devin Booker going nuclear. Booker finished with 21 points in the second half, while Paul scored 14 in the fourth quarter alone. This second-half performance is no surprise to any avid NBA fans who have watched the Phoenix Suns all season long; they are 52-0 when leading after the third quarter of games and closing in on the all-time record set by the 2020 Lakers, who finished at 57-0. No team in the NBA is more clutch than the Phoenix Suns, so teams will have to do most of their work earlier in the game.

Meanwhile, for the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic has been absolutely incredible, but he needs help. In his first two games of this series, Doncic has posted averages of roughly 40 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists on incredible efficiency. After Game Two, Doncic now holds the record for the highest points per game average in the playoffs. While that can always change, it just further proves his postseason dominance. The betting odds section is below, so take a look at it to see which team I think will squeeze out a win in what will probably be a tight game until the end!

Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks Betting Odds

The sportsbooks are shrugging their shoulders and setting the line as a pick’em for this matchup. Dallas has been competitive in the first two games, even if the final score of Game Two does not reflect that. Both of those games have required Doncic to have nuclear-level games, though. It is unacceptable for a team like Dallas, a borderline elite defensive team for most of the season, to allow a 65/52/86 team shooting split to an opponent. Regardless, I expect a much tighter defensive effort from the Mavs and yet another Doncic explosion. I will take the Mavericks in this matchup.

How To Watch

Date: 5/6/22
Time: 9:30 PM ET
Arena: American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
Channel: ESPN

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Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup

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

Phoenix Suns Analysis

Game Two was absolutely textbook for the Phoenix Suns, especially the second half. Booker scored 21 points in the second half, while Chris Paul scored 14 fourth-quarter points! There is an apparent reason why the Suns are 52-0 when leading after three quarters; they have two of the most clutch players in the NBA today on the same team. Phoenix is an incredibly dangerous basketball team, evidenced by its 65/52/86 team shooting split in Game Two. The crazy thing is that the Suns were actually trailing at halftime! They have many shooters, scorers, slashers, playmakers, and elite defenders, making up the perfect roster construction. It is no mistake that this team finished as the No. 1 team in the NBA this season. If they secure Game Three, then the series is virtually over, so expect them to go all out in this one.

Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup

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

Dallas Mavericks Analysis

Regardless of what happens for the rest of this series, I would classify the Dallas Mavericks’ 2021-22 NBA campaign as a resounding success. They were able to unload Kristaps Porzingis, who can’t seem to stay on the court and bring in Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. Additionally, Jalen Brunson has emerged as a potential future All-Star and helped round out the Mavs’ backcourt of the future, should they choose to cut the check. However, their biggest issue right now is the frontcourt. Dallas has been outrebounded by 15 rebounds in Game One and nine rebounds in Game Two. It was a bottom-three rebounding team this season and lacked interior post scoring. The Mavs desperately need to figure that out by next season. For now, Dallas needs to play better defense to keep Phoenix to reasonable splits and shoot the lights out. Game Three is imperative to win for this team!