The Phoenix Suns host the Dallas Mavericks on April 8, 2026, in an important Western Conference matchup at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The Suns are fighting to secure their position in the play-in tournament, while the Mavericks are already eliminated from playoff contention and are focused on finishing the season strong.
Phoenix enters the game with a 43-36 record and sits seventh in the Western Conference standings. Dallas, meanwhile, has struggled throughout the season and holds a 25-54 record.
Both teams are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but the stakes are very different. The Suns are trying to lock up the No. 7 seed, while the Mavericks are giving young players more opportunities late in the season.
Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Match Information
| Match | Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix |
| Broadcast | KFAA / Arizona’s Family Sports / NBA League Pass |
Current Team Records
| Team | Record | Western Conference Position |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 43-36 | 7th |
| Dallas Mavericks | 25-54 | 13th |
The Suns recently suffered a disappointing 119-105 loss against the Houston Rockets after blowing an early lead. That defeat confirmed their play-in position but also increased pressure to close the season with strong performances.
Dallas is coming off a 116-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and has lost nine of its last eleven games.
Season Series Results
Phoenix has controlled the matchup during the current season.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Nov 12 | Suns 123-114 Mavericks |
| Feb 10 | Suns 120-111 Mavericks |
The Suns lead the season series 2-0 and have scored over 120 points in both games.
Team Statistical Comparison
| Category | Mavericks | Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating | 110.7 | 115.5 |
| Defensive Rating | 116.2 | 113.0 |
| Points Allowed | 119.4 | — |
| Three-Point % | 34.1% | — |
Phoenix holds advantages in both offensive efficiency and defensive stability. Dallas has struggled offensively all season, ranking near the bottom of the league in multiple scoring categories.
Key Players to Watch
Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker
Booker remains the central offensive force for Phoenix.
- 25.9 points per game
- 3.9 rebounds
- 6.0 assists
He has scored at least 25 points in six of his last eight games and continues to lead the Suns during critical late-season matchups.
Jalen Green
Green has added valuable scoring support.
- 18.3 points
- 3.9 rebounds
- 2.9 assists
His ability to create offense alongside Booker has helped Phoenix remain competitive.
Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg
The rookie has been one of the few bright spots for Dallas late in the season.
- 21.2 points
- 6.6 rebounds
- 4.5 assists
Flagg recently delivered huge performances including games with 51 and 45 points, showing why he is a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Naji Marshall
Marshall has contributed when healthy.
- 15.2 points
- 4.7 rebounds
- 3.3 assists
However, injury concerns may limit his availability.
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Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Kyrie Irving | Out (knee surgery) |
| Dereck Lively II | Out (foot surgery) |
| Daniel Gafford | Doubtful (shoulder) |
| P.J. Washington | Doubtful (elbow) |
| Naji Marshall | Doubtful (hip) |
| Caleb Martin | Doubtful (foot) |
| Cooper Flagg | Probable (wrist) |
Phoenix Suns
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Mark Williams | Out (foot) |
| Haywood Highsmith | Out (knee) |
| Brandon Williams | Doubtful (illness) |
| Grayson Allen | Questionable (quadriceps) |
Dallas enters the game significantly short-handed, which has been a recurring issue late in the season.
Key Factors That Could Decide the Game
Suns’ Offensive Stability
Phoenix relies heavily on Devin Booker to control the pace and generate offense in half-court situations. When Booker gets into rhythm, the Suns offense becomes far more efficient.
Mavericks’ Pace and Youth
Dallas plays at a fast pace and can create chaos in transition. Cooper Flagg’s aggressive scoring ability gives the Mavericks a chance to stay competitive, especially if the game turns into a high-tempo contest.
Rebounding Battle
Dallas ranks among the better rebounding teams, while Phoenix has struggled at times on the glass. Extra possessions could help the Mavericks stay close.
Turnovers and Defensive Pressure
The Suns rank near the top of the league in steals, which can disrupt Dallas’ offense and create easy scoring opportunities.
Odds Overview
| Market | Mavericks | Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +10.5 to +12.5 | -10.5 to -12.5 |
| Moneyline | +425 to +475 | -575 to -650 |
| Over/Under | 230 – 233.5 |
Phoenix enters the game as a clear favorite at home.
Predicted Score
| Team | Score Prediction |
|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 118 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 109 |
Suns vs Mavericks Prediction
Phoenix has clear advantages entering this matchup. The Suns have the stronger defense, more consistent scoring options, and a much healthier rotation compared to Dallas.
The Mavericks still have a dangerous offensive weapon in Cooper Flagg, whose scoring ability can keep games competitive. However, Dallas’ lack of depth and defensive struggles make it difficult to sustain success over four quarters.
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Phoenix’s motivation to secure the No. 7 seed and their strong record against weaker opponents gives them the edge.
Prediction: Suns win and cover the spread.
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