Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Odds, Pick, Prediction 5/4/22

The 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals continue Wednesday, May 4, so we bring you the best Mavericks vs. Suns betting pick and odds for Game 2 between Dallas and Phoenix at Footprint Center.  

The Suns outlasted the Mavs 121-114 as 6-point home favorites with a total of 214.5 points in Game 1 this past Monday. Phoenix is a 6-point fave once more, while Phoenix is listed as a +210 moneyline underdog with a total of 216.5 points on Bookmaker Sportsbook. 

The Mavericks couldn’t cope with the Suns’ offense in the opener          

The Dallas Mavericks (56-33; 52-35-2 ATS) relied on their defense to get this far, but they struggled mightily against the Suns’ offense in the opening game of the Western Conference semis. The Mavs yielded 69 first-half points and trailed by as many as 21 points, allowing the Suns to make 50.5% of their field goals. 

On the other side of the ball, Dallas shot 47.1% from the field and 41.0% from downtown (16-for-39), but the Mavericks handed out only 16 assists and missed seven of their 25 free-throw attempts. Luka Doncic led the charge with 45 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, but he didn’t get too much help from his teammates. 

Jalen Brunson went 6-for-16 from the field, finishing with 13 points and three assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie added eight points and four dimes in 30 minutes off the bench. Luka will need more from his supporting cast, and the Mavs will have to improve a lot if they want to stand any chance of upsetting the odds in this series. 

The Suns dominated the Mavs from start to finish                   

The Phoenix Suns (68-20; 48-40 ATS) had some problems eliminating the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round. They entered the second round ready to show why their record was the best in the NBA last regular season by far, so we didn’t get an exciting Game 1. 

The Suns dished out 27 assists and made 11 of their 28 attempts from deep (39.3%). They also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Mavericks 51-36 while posting 13 offensive rebounds. Six guts scored in double figures, and Deandre Ayton led the way with 25 points on 12-for-20 shooting from the field. 

In his second outing since returning from a hamstring injury, Devin Booker posted a line of 23 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Chris Paul played just 29 minutes, finishing with 19 points, five boards, and three dishes. CP3 is now averaging 21.9 points and 10.1 assists in the postseason. 

Trends:

Dallas:

• 4-16 ATS in the last 20 games against Phoenix 

Phoenix:

• 7-3 ATS in the last ten games overall 

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Pick 

The Mavs are winless in ten straight meetings with the Suns. Dallas has covered the spread only twice in that stretch, and I’m expecting the Suns to extend their dominance over the Mavs. Simply put, Dallas lacks the weapons to compete with Phoenix, especially in the paint. Luka Doncic might be the best player in this series, but he cannot eliminate the Suns on his own. 

Hereof, I’ll take the Suns to cover a 6-point spread. If they continue to play aggressive defense and control the glass, the reigning Western Conference champions shouldn’t have too many problems beating the Mavs. 

Pick: Take Phoenix Suns -6.0 at -110    

The Total:

The Mavericks’ defense fell apart in Game 1. Dallas needs to improve a lot on the defensive end, but the Mavs also have to slow down things as much as possible. Phoenix and Dallas recorded 94 possessions in the opener each and still combined for 235 points in the total. 

Back in the regular season, the Mavs and Suns met three times, and all three contests saw fewer than 217 points on the scoreboard. Hopefully, the Mavs’ defense will step up and make Game 2 interesting to watch. 

Pick: Go under 216.5 points at -110