Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for as Mavs host Suns for second time

The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. They grabbed the lead in the third quarter but ran out of gas on the second night of a back-to-back. Superstar Luka Doncic scored 29 points, but it was not enough to weather a late flurry from Chris Paul and the Suns.

The two teams lock horns again on Monday night as part of the league’s new scheduling quirk. The Mavericks are looking to snap a five-game losing and get their third home win of the season.

Here is a look at how and what to watch for on Feb. 1 as the Mavericks host the Suns.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns: How to watch

Start time: 7:30 p.m. CT or 8:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: NBA TV (National), Fox Sports Southwest (Dallas Market), Fox Sports Arizona (Suns market)

Watch online: Fox Sports Go (Both local markets)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns injury updates

The Mavericks have a clean injury report for the first time this season. Maxi Kleber is set to return after missing 11 straight games in the league’s health and safety protocols. Fans will get their first glimpse of the season at the entire Mavs squad playing together, barring a late scratch.

The Suns have yet to submit an official injury report. Fans should be watching the status of Devin Booker closely. The Suns guard has missed four straight games with a hamstring injury, but appears close to returning. Cameron Payne and Dario Saric also missed Saturday’s game.

Be sure to check Twitter just before tipoff for all the latest injury updates.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns storyline to follow: KP’s impact

The Mavs have lost both meetings against the Suns this season. Luka Doncic had 32 points in the season opener, but Phoenix won on their home floor. Kristaps Porzingis has yet to face the Suns in 2021.

Inside the bubble, KP dropped 30 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks against Phoenix, but the Suns won a close game. Dallas will be looking for revenge on Monday night, but they will need a monster performance from Kristaps Porzingis. Luka Doncic will go off. KP is the key to a Mavericks victory.

Check back to The Smoking Cuban for plenty more after the game, plus the news, opinions, and analysis Dallas Mavericks crave. Do not miss it.