The Dallas Mavericks (8-22) square off against the Phoenix Suns (10-21) at American Airlines Center. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Arizona at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, December 18, 2017.
Dallas opened as a 6-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 208 points.
Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks Free Prediction
The Suns come in on a high note after barely hanging on to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last contest, 108-106. The Suns knocked down 31 of their 35 free throws (88.6 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 24.1). Phoenix rallied around Alex Len, who contributed 12 points, 19 rebounds and six assists.
In the Mavericks’ last game, they lost a tough one against the San Antonio Spurs, 98-96. San Antonio won the rebounding battle. The Spurs had more offensive rebounds (nine vs. four) and total rebounds (41 vs. 38). With 17 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, Dallas’ Yogi Ferrell had a good game.
Dallas could put on a ball-control clinic in this matchup. Dallas ranks second in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.1 percent), while Phoenix forces the fewest turnovers (12.6 percent). Conflicting paces will be on display in this meeting. The up-tempo Suns rank third in possessions per game, while the more methodical Mavericks rank 25th.
Phoenix heads into the game with records of 10-21 straight up (SU) and 15-15-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Suns’ 31 games, 13 have finished under, 17 have finished over and one has pushed.
Meanwhile, Dallas owns records of 8-22 SU and 14-16 ATS. Of the Mavericks’ 30 games, 17 have finished under the total.
After the Suns won three out of four meetings against the Mavericks last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Phoenix won 124-111. Phoenix did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (28-32; 87.5 percent). Dallas, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.7 vs. 22.9).
Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Mavericks, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Phoenix is 9-5-1 ATS with 9 overs and 6 unders.
At home, Dallas is 7-9 ATS with 8 unders, 7 overs and 1 push.
Phoenix is 2-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Dallas is 7-7.
The Mavericks are 5-8 when they reach the century mark, while the Suns are 9-13.
Dallas ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (39.3) while Phoenix ranks 29th (48.7).
The Suns rank fourth in rebounds per game (45.8) while the Mavericks rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.9).
Dallas ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while Phoenix ranks 27th (19.1).
The Suns average 13.1 fast break points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Mavericks rank last in fast break points allowed per game (14.3).
Dallas ranks sixth in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Phoenix ranks 26th (14.3).
The Mavericks rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (31.7) while the Suns rank 23rd (25.6).
Phoenix ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while Dallas ranks 27th (3.5).
The Mavericks rank 15th in steals allowed per game (8.1) while the Suns rank 25th (9.0).
Dallas ranks 22nd in assists per game (21.4) while Phoenix ranks 29th (20.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
Dallas is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 7.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mavericks have scored an average of 96.4 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 101.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
