Mavericks vs. Suns Game 5 Prediction
Even though the Mavericks tied their series with the Suns at two games apiece, Dallas finds itself as 6-point road underdogs on Tuesday night for Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals at 10:00 p.m. ET. Will Dallas cover?
Game Snapshot
503 Dallas Mavericks (+6) at 504 Phoenix Suns (-6); o/u 213
10:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
TV: TNT
Dallas Mavericks DFS Notes
Luka Doncic accounted for 26 points (9-of-25 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), seven rebounds, 11 assists, four steals, and one 3-pointer in Sunday’s win over the Suns, playing 37 minutes. Doncic has had better games shooting the basketball, as he was just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc. But he was able to impact Game 4 in other areas, dishing out 11 assists while also accounting for a playoff-high four steals. He’s no Gary Payton or Marcus Smart, but Doncic has put forth a more significant effort on the defensive end of the floor since being challenged via the media by Mavericks coach Jason Kidd before Game 3. With the series now tied at two games apiece, the Mavericks will need more of the same from Doncic if they are to win Game 5 Tuesday night. Of course, the shooting will come around, so DFS players should not worry about that. Also, Doncic ranks third all-time on the NBA’s list of most points scored in a player’s first 20 postseason games (Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain occupy the top two spots on the list).
Phoenix Suns DFS Notes
Deandre Ayton posted a line of 14 points (7-of-12 FGs, 0-of-2 FTs), 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocked shots in Sunday’s 111-101 loss to the Mavericks, playing 33 minutes. Outside of the dud that he offered up in Game 2, Ayton has been solid in the middle for the Suns. He recorded a double-double in Games 3 and 4, with Phoenix’s issue being the struggles of starting point guard Chris Paul. While DFS players would like to see more points out of Ayton, he’s a relatively safe option for the center position in lineups. Ayton will look to extend his double-double streak to three games on Tuesday when the Suns host Game 5.
Mavericks vs. Suns Game 5 NBA Playoffs Betting Prediction
The Mavericks are just 3-9 against the spread in their last 12 games in Phoenix and are 6-17 against the number in their last 23 games versus the Suns. The Suns, meanwhile, are 10-2 against the spread in their last 12 Conference Semifinals games, are 4-1 against the number in their last five games following a loss and are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
NBA PLAYOFFS BETTING PREDICTION: PHOENIX SUNS -6