Published on: May 12, 2022 8:39 pm IST|Updated on: May 12, 2022 8:39 pm IST
DAL vs PHX Dream11: As the tide of the time turns, we head closer to the NBA title race. In a matter of three days or so at max, we will have our four teams for the Conference Finals, and that only means that the window for a championship is at our doorstep. But before that, we still are yet to see even a single team qualify for the next round. And this can be a game where we see one of our first qualifiers as the Dallas Mavericks will host the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns thrashed the Mavs 110:80 as Devin Booker nailed 28 points and the team recovered after losing two games. One thing is clear, the home-court advantage is crucial to advance ahead in the Playoffs because we have seen that most of the teams have reigned supreme in the home-court setting. As we head to the Mavs’ home floor, can the Suns reverse the trends or will Doncic show that there is more to the Mavs?
Host: Dallas Mavericks Visitors: Phoenix Suns Match Timing: 13 May, @ 07:00 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: American Airlines Center
Can the Suns showcase their away from home prowess?
The Suns have been unable to field a strong offensive attack on the Mavs home floor so far and the latter has made sure that the team doesn’t run away with games. Chris Paul hasn’t been as effective as he was in the last series, his scoring, playmaking, and efficiency are all down and that is one of the major reasons why the Mavericks have been able to drag this series for so long.
One other reason why the Mavericks have dragged the series is that Jalen Brunson has scored at an efficient rate in the last three games and his production will again be huge in this home scenario. One thing is clear, the Mavericks play at whole another level on the defensive end when the game is situation at their home floor, which is true for most teams this Playoffs.
So, yes, the Mavericks will enter with a ton of confidence here and of course Luka Doncic will be the prime mover on the offensive end. However, I believe that the Suns are due one of their special nights away from home and if Paul finds his groove, the cast of Booker, Ayton, Bridges, Johnson, and Crowder will pull through, that is why I favor the Suns here.
Performances Predictions Top Scorer: Luka Doncic: 33 Top Rebounder: Deandre Ayton: 11 Highest assists deliverer: Chris Paul: 11 Scoreline Prediction: Suns 114 Mavericks 109
Phoenix Suns Team News
Suns Expected Starting Five Defensive Forward: Jae Crowder Slashing wing and strong Defender: Mikal Bridges Inside Presence: C: Deandre Ayton Leading Scoring Guard: SG: Devin Booker Floor General: PG: Chris Paul
BENCH: Cameron Johnson, Cameron Payne, Bismack Biyombo, Torrey Craig, Javale McGee, Landry Shamet, Elfrid Payton, Ismail Wainright.
Dallas Mavericks Team News
Mavericks Expected Starting Five Defensive Big Forward: PF: Dorian Finney-Smith Defensive wing: Reggie Bullock Inside Presence: C: Dwight Powell Scoring Guard: PG: Jalen Brunson Leading Scorer and Playmaker: PG: Luka Doncic
BENCH: Spencer Dinwiddie, Maxi Kleber, Josh Green, Sterling Brown, Marquesse Chriss, Frank Ntilikina, Boban Marajanovic, Trey Burke.
Luka Doncic(DAL) Points: 28 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 02 Steals: 03 Luka has sustained his much-celebrated rhythm and he continues to be the most productive scoring option for the Mavs while his rebounding and the knack to push the ball are all vital. I believe he will be in 25+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 4+ assists range. He can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 48-67
Chris Paul(PHX) Points: 07 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 10 Steals: 01 Even though CP-3 has been not that effective this series, he is still the most dependable passer and I think he will have a strong game here. I believe he will be in 16-22 points, 8-12 assists, and 4-7 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 34-47
Jalen Brunson (DAL) Points: 21 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 After a poor start to the series, Jalen has found his groove and he is of course up for big scoring nights when the series shifts to the home floor. I believe he will be in 18-24 points and 4-7 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-38
Deandre Ayton(PHX) Points: 20 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 02 Deandre continues to be the most efficient and productive scorer for the Suns and he helps them roll out a big advantage in the middle. He believe he will be in 17-23 points, 8-14 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-38
Dorian Finney-Smith(DAL) Points: 08 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Defensive anchor Dorian has been a big difference-maker on the offensive end but made just 2 of his 6 shots. I believe he will be in 11-16 points and 3-7 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-34
Devin Booker(PHX) Points: 28 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 02 Steals: 02 There is no doubt that the Suns would have lost the series if not for Booker’s offensive heroics and he drilled 11 of his 20 attempts from the field in the last game. I believe he will be in 25+ points range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 40-55
(Recommended) PG: L Doncic(SP) SG: D Booker(PP) SF: R Bullock PF: M Kleber, C Johnson C: J McGee, D Bertans, D Ayton
(Alternate) PG: C Paul(PP), L Doncic(SP) SG: J Brunson SF: R Bullock PF: J Crowder, C Johnson C: J McGee, D Bertans
Mavericks have their back on the walls and a loss here means their season is over, will they be able to extend their campaign? In a great bit of news for the Indian NBA fans, this game can be viewed on TV outlets MTV and Sports 18. On the other hand, streaming services JIO TV and Voot will also showcase this game for viewers in India. But there is also the game between the 76ers and Heat, what if you wanna watch it? If you buy the annual subscription, you can watch all live games and you can also access the full game replay if you can’t catch the live-action. To learn the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the NBA.