The Phoenix Suns (29-34) and Dallas Mavericks (32-32) will meet in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game will broadcast live on ABC.
The Suns are 7.5-point favorites over the Mavericks on the spread (Suns -7.5), with the over/under set at 228.5 total points. Phoenix is a -298 favorite to win outright, while Dallas is +240 to pull off the upset.
Two very broken teams with very broken seasons meet on national television today. Can the Suns catch the Mavericks for a play-in spot? Will the Mavericks have… anyone to play? Let's get into my Suns vs. Mavericks predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, March 9.
Suns vs. Mavericks Picks, Prediction
Spread
I won’t bet the spread with the randomness of the matchups due to the Mavericks injuries.
Moneyline
I like the Suns -300 based on their renewed sense of effort and the Mavericks facing the end of their season.
Over/Under
I lean toward the Over with Phoenix’s offense being in a higher gear.
My Pick: Nick Richards Over 9.5 Points (-125)
Suns vs. Mavericks Odds
| Suns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 228.5 -110 / -110 | -298 |
| Mavericks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 228.5 -110 / -110 | +240 |
- Suns vs. Mavericks spread: Suns -7.5
- Suns vs. Mavericks over/under: 228.5 total points
- Suns vs. Mavericks moneyline: Mavericks +240, Suns -298
- Suns vs. Mavericks best bet: Nick Richards Over 9.5 Points
My Mavericks vs. Suns best bet is on Nick Richards Over 9.5 Points, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Suns vs. Mavericks Preview
Phoenix Suns
Well, for starters, the Suns are not facing anything close to an NBA team today. Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington are all out, and Dante Exum and Caleb Martin are questionable.
Any questions?
After trading Luka Doncic, the Mavs’ season immediately fell apart. With no chance at a run without Irving, they have to shut down players to get ready for next season.
Meanwhile, I know it sounds crazy… but the Suns are playing better. They staged two massive comebacks this week in a win over the Clippers and an overtime loss to the Nuggets on the road.
They are playing more together and with more urgency. Devin Booker showed signs of taking over games like he used to vs. the Nuggets, and Kevin Durant is always and forever Kevin Durant.
Dallas Mavericks
The element of surprise? How do you adequately scout this Mavericks team when most of their rotation has barely played, let alone with one another?
Sometimes, these random games are beneficial for the underdog. Not only does no one believe in you, but you can also play freely and not worry about confining roles.
On the other hand, they are dwarfed by talent. Then again, the Suns are so bad this season at meeting expectations that it might work in Dallas’s favor.
Max Christie should be able to get downhill vs. the Suns’ porous perimeter defense and if Dante Exum plays, expect a big afternoon from him.
Suns vs. Mavericks Prediction
I think this is a weird spot, and with so much unknown about Dallas’ rotation, I have a hard time handicapping it. But without AD, Gafford, and Lively, the Mavs simply don’t have any size, so I like Nick Richards’ scoring prop over.
I’ll stay away from the side and total and focus just on props for Richards and Max Christie in this spot.
Best Bet: Nick Richards Over 9.5 Points (-125)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Max Christie Over 15.5 Points
- Nick Richards Over 9.5 Points
Parlay Payout: +210
Mavericks vs. Suns Betting Trends
