Mavericks vs Suns Preview and Game Thread: Dallas closes out a homestand against Phoenix

Luka Doncic and friends look to defeat the Suns at home

The Dallas Mavericks (5-3) play host on Friday night against the current number one team in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns (7-1). This game is nationally televised in on ESPN in the early slot at 6:30 pm. Dallas is finishing out an early season homestand where they’ve been mediocre, splitting their first four games. The Suns are riding a six-game win streak, losing only one time the season in their second contest. Here’s the main things to know:

• WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Chicago Bulls
• WHAT: Game four of five game home-stand for the Mavericks
• WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas Texas
• WHEN: 6:30 p.m. CST
• HOW: ESPN, MavsTV, Channel 29 (local fans), also Playback with Kirk, Matthew, and David

The injury report remains top heavy for Dallas. Dante Exum is out with his wrist injury (and has been out for some time). He’s joined by PJ Washington with a knee issue and Dereck Lively with a shoulder problem. Maxi Kleber has been upgraded to doubtful, so don’t expect him to play again but at least it’s some progress. The Suns have had a late addition to the report, with Devin Booker showing up as questionable with an illness. Bradley Beal is probable after missing the first game between the two teams with a wrist injury. Rookie Ryan Dunn is out with a left ankle sprain.

This is a pretty solid measuring stick game for the Mavericks. The last time the two teams matched up, Dallas lost while playing some oddly tentative basketball. Dallas needs to attack the paint with something approaching recklessness as the Suns don’t have the centers to deal with Luka Doncic and Kyrie applying rim pressure.

There are several posts up on the site today. There’s the longer preview from Matt, the betting post from Brent, and a “Would you rather” from Katie. Unrelated to this specific game, David posted a grades piece on the Mavericks from the last week. Tyler discusses the results from his election day polls.

As you can tell below, you can join me and some other Mavs Moneyball guys in a room on Playback (embed below) during the game (though I may not be able to start it until halftime). Also consider joining Josh and I on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start around 9:15 pm. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!