At least one month without Luka Doncic begins…
The Dallas Mavericks hit the road for a trip to close out the 2024 calendar. They do so at less than full strength after it was revealed that a left calf strain will keep the Maverick star out of action well into the new year. The Luka-less Mavericks take on the Suns tonight. Let’s find a wager with taking.
Game Details
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns | NBA 2024-2025
Date and Time: Friday, December 27th, 2024; 8:00 PM CST
Venue: Footprint Center | Phoenix, AZ
Outcome Odds
- Spread: Phoenix -2 (-108)
- O/U 225.5
- Mavs ML: +105
Odds up to date as of 2:30 AM CST from DraftKings
The Mavericks have yet to defeat Phoenix this season losing their first road game in late October, 114-102 before dropping a one-point heartbreaker at the American Airlines Center on November 8th, 114-113. While it is tough to beat an NBA team with the talent level of the Mavericks three times in a row, I am going to refrain from recommending a bet on the side. My lean is toward the Suns’ money line – even so slightly.
Player Props
- Tyus Jones over 12.5 points (-125)
- PJ Washington over 7.5 rebounds (-135)
Jones has exceeded this line in 5 of his last 6 home games. As with many veterans joining new teams, it can take a few weeks before they can accumulate. A more assertive Jones is putting up more attempts which brings value to this prop.
Washington is a very effective rebounder and appears to assert himself in that aspect of the game even more without Luka Doncic on the floor. Look for some value to appear in his rebound lines until the results cause the line to catch up. Any line on this prop under 8 is nearly an automatic green light from where this writer sits – outside of a scattering of matchups over the next month.
Play of the Day
- Klay Thompson over 23 PRA (-125)
As December has progressed, Klay Thompson melded quite seamlessly into the Mavericks roster, and his production has matched or exceeded the Vegas expectations for most of the month. The line with Luka on the floor for Thompson’s PRA is likely in the 19-21 range. This bump is not nearly enough to account for his increased role in the Mavericks offense in this game and for several weeks to follow.