The stage is set for an exciting NBA matchup as the Dallas Mavericks take on the Phoenix Suns on December 27, 2024, at Footprint Center, Phoenix. The Mavericks, who are currently at 19-11, are grappling with the loss of their star player Luka Doncic, who is sidelined for at least a month due to a calf injury sustained during the Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Coming off of the disappointing 105-99 loss to the Timberwolves, the Mavericks are eager to regroup and find their footing against their division rivals. Kyrie Irving stepped up with 39 points on Christmas, and he will need to deliver another stellar performance to help his team navigate this challenging period without Doncic. The Mavericks fell flat offensively, managing just 15 assists— their lowest since June. Head coach Jason Kidd will be counting on Irving to carry the scoring load, particularly as the team looks to find new ways to operate with Doncic sidelined.
On the other side, the Suns are finding some rhythm after halting their three-game losing streak with a 110-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Christmas Day. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal were central to the Suns' success, with both players scoring 27 points. Tyus Jones also played well, contributing 17 points. Despite the positive result, the Suns are also dealing with injury woes as Devin Booker remains out due to a groin strain, leaving Phoenix to rely heavily on its core players.
Throughout their last ten encounters, the Mavericks and Suns each claimed 5 victories, making this highly contested rivalry particularly fierce. The Suns won their last face-off against the Mavericks on November 8, edging out Dallas with a narrow 114-113 victory. The Mavericks will seek revenge and hope to capitalize on the Suns' own injury issues as both teams battle for supremacy within the Western Conference.
According to FanDuel, the latest odds see the Mavericks as +2 underdogs with the Suns as slight -2 favorites. The over/under for the game is set at 225.5 points—a reflection of how both teams have fluctuated offensively throughout the season. Mavericks players like PJ Washington Jr. and Dereck Lively II will need to step up their game after insufficient contributions last time out to support Irving’s efforts.
The match is scheduled to tip off at 9 PM ET, and it will be broadcasted on the Arizona Family Sports Network. For those unable to catch the action live, streaming will also be available via the CBS Sports App and fuboTV. With both teams highly motivated after their respective results, the clash promises to be thrilling as the Mavericks look to bounce back and the Suns aim to extend their winning ways.
Both teams face pivotal moments, and this game could be instrumental as they position themselves for the playoff race. The Suns will be eager to achieve their first back-to-back wins of the season, and the Mavericks are desperate to avoid falling behind without Doncic. The stakes are high as both teams strategize their playbooks to adapt to current challenges.
Either way, there’s no denying the excitement and unpredictable nature of the NBA, where every game can sway the momentum of the season dramatically. The Mavericks and Suns’ matchup will be one not to miss, heralding what is sure to be another memorable chapter in their storied rivalry. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.
