The oddsmakers don’t really fancy the Dallas Mavericks’ chances in their season opener at Phoenix on Wednesday and you can’t really blame them for doing that. Dallas failed to address their number one issue this offseason after Jalen Brunson left in free agency and this team’s faith now lies in the hands of Luka Doncic more than ever. After a disappointing EuroBasket campaign, Doncic enters the season in what looks to be the best shape of his career so far.
Many people are tipping Luka for the MVP award, but a lot has to align for that to happen. Dallas did add Christian Wood and JaVale McGee which boosts their depth as well as paint scoring, but as we saw in the preseason it might take a while for everything to click. The last time the Mavs won at Phoenix in a regular season game was back in November of 2019.
It was a disappointing season last year for the Suns who failed to meet expectations in the playoffs, but they are hoping for another run with mostly the same group this year. Head coach Monty Williams and Deandre Ayton both got lengthy contract extensions in the offseason, that provides them with a solid foundation for years to come.
Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger, but he can still do it even at the tender age of 37. Devin Booker also has another year of experience under his belt, some people are tipping him to have a breakout year this season after a rough exit in the 2022 Playoffs. All in all, I really like this Phoenix team and with a 9 game win streak on the line I can see them beating the Mavs in the season opener. They won all 3 regular season meetings last year by 8, 8 and 7 points.