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The Phoenix Suns host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night. The Suns are coming off a series victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Mavericks were able to knock off the Utah Jazz.
Both teams needed six games to advance, and both clinched their series on Thursday, so they've had three days to rest before Game 1.
The Suns welcomed Devin Booker back in Game 6 after he exited Game 2 with an injury. Booker only finished with 13 points and didn't shoot well from the field as he was clearly rusty.
However, Chris Paul stole the show in the city where he began his career. Paul recorded 33 points and shot a perfect 14-for-14 from the field, a postseason record. He also added eight assists just for good measure.
The Suns face a tougher challenge with the Mavericks, so they'll need all of their stars to step up.
"POINT GOD. 33 PTS 14/14 FG 4/4 FT 1/1 3PM BEST SHOOTING GAME IN NBA PLAYOFF HISTORY."
The Mavericks beat the Jazz 98-96 on the road to advance. Luka Doncic didn't miss a beat after he was forced to miss the first three games due to injury.
He had an off-shooting game on Thursday, but still finished the series with averages of 29.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
Jalen Brunson also had a great series, averaging 27.8 points per game. If Brunson can continue this level of production, the series could be even more competitive than anticipated.
"Jalen Brunson recorded 167 points and just 4 turnovers in 228 minutes in Dallas’ six-game first round series against Utah."
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Match Details
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks @ Phoenix Suns
Date & Time: Monday, May 2, 10:00 P.M. EDT
Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Dallas proved the oddsmakers wrong in each of their last five games against the Jazz. The Suns have covered six of their last nine; however, in two of those games, Devin Booker didn't play the full game.
The Suns have also beaten the spread in seven of their last ten meetings against the Mavericks. As for the total, it's gone under in six of the previous eight games between the two teams.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Best Picks
Devin Booker was quiet in Game 6, but he's now had three days to rest and will likely perform better in Game 1. Look for Booker to get back to his regular self Monday.
Pick: Devin Booker Over 27.5 Points + Assists (-110)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
The Mavericks should make this series competitive, but the Suns are a more talented team. With Chris Paul's ability to take over from a scoring and playmaking perspective, expect Phoenix to jump out to an early lead.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns First Half -3.5 (-110) & Over 214 (-110)
