Mavericks vs. Suns Prediction
The Dallas Mavericks and host Phoenix Suns have fallen on rough times in recent years and will look for a better 2018-19 campaign. Which side will get their season started with a bang as the two squads meet tonight on national television?
Game Snapshot
719 Dallas Mavericks at 720 Phoenix Suns
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Talking Stick Resort Arena at 10:35PM ET
TV: ESPN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our Basketball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Suns are a 1-point favorite to win on the spread line. The total sits at 215 points. As of Wednesday morning, 59 percent of public bets are coming in on host Phoenix. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Doncic looks to shine as rookie
Mavericks first round draft pick Luka Doncic will be one of the most hyped rookies in the NBA this season. He is only 19 years old, but has already starred in the European League and will be a major part of Dallas hoping to trend in the right direction over the next several years. He will team up with last year’s first round draft pick in Dennis Smith to help form the core of a young Mavericks squad that also includes the ageless Dirk Nowitzki.
Suns get boost in paint with Ayton
Phoenix opted to draft Deandre Ayton out of Arizona with the No. 1 overall pick. Ayton has a dominant offensive arsenal with his big frame, but is still raw and needs work defensively. But his minutes will be secured from day one and he’ll be a consistent producer on a Suns team expected to be among the worst in the NBA once again. Phoenix should make strides offensively and have a true scorer in Devin Booker, but expect Phoenix to once again struggle defensively which will hurt chances at winning each night.
NBA Betting Trends
Dallas
The Mavs are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games. Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last six games playing on three or more days or rest.
Phoenix
The Suns are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games played on three or more days of rest. Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
Prediction:
This series has been dominated by the Suns as of late, but I don’t trust them as a 1-point favorite against what should be an improved Mavs team. Booker is expected to play after offseason finger surgery, but like I already said the Phoenix defense is going to struggle and this could be an early example of not getting enough stops down the stretch. Take Dallas here.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: DALLAS MAVERICKS +1