Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for against Suns in final seeding game

Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for against the Suns in the final seeding game

The Dallas Mavericks wrap up their seeding games slate on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. It is the second meeting between the two teams inside the bubble. The Suns took the victory on Aug. 2 despite 40 points from Mavericks star Luka Doncic.

The Mavs are locked into seventh in the Western Conference. The game will have no impact on their playoff seeding. Phoenix needs a win to keep their postseason hopes alive. They are currently tied with the Grizzlies and the Spurs for ninth. Portland is just a half-game up on all three teams. Phoenix needs to win to have any chance of advancing to the play-in round.

Expect the Suns to be pushing hard for a victory. Let us take a look at how and what to watch for in Thursday’s game.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns: How to watch

Start time: 3:00 p.m. CT or 4:00 p.m. ET

How to watch: TNT (National), Fox Sports Southwest-Dallas, Fox Sports Arizona (Phoenix market)

Watch online: TNT Overtime, Fox Sports Go (Both local markets)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns injury update

The Mavericks will be without Dwight Powell and Courtney Lee. Both players are out for the season. The NBA’s official injury report lists Kristaps Porzingis (heel) and Seth Curry (leg) as questionable. The Mavs have no incentive to push their players. Maxi Kleber (knee) and Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) are both probable. Keep an eye out for changes closer to tipoff on Thursday.

Only two players are on the Suns injury report. Kelly Oubre Jr. is listed as doubtful with a knee injury. Cameron Johnson stands at probable because of a patella issue.

Mavericks fans need to be sure to check for the latest just before tipoff on Thursday.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns storyline to follow: Doncic vs. Booker

These two players could be going head-to-head for Bubble MVP. Luka Doncic is averaging a 30-point triple-double in Orlando. Devin Booker puts up 31 a night while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field for the undefeated Suns. Both players are firmly in the running for the honors and should make the All-Seeding Games Team.

Luka has been outstanding against the Suns this season. He has dropped 40-plus in two of the three meetings. The Mavs may monitor his minutes closely on Thursday. Expect Doncic to be lighting it up when he is on the floor, though.

Booker will be on his game too. He wants to lead Phoenix into the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Expect a fun showdown on Thursday afternoon. Do not miss it.