Dallas Mavericks: Devin Booker returns: How will Mavs adjust?

The Dallas Mavericks let one slip away on Saturday night. Luka Doncic had a massive third quarter as Dallas built a 15-point lead only to watch it evaporate down the stretch, thanks to some Chris Paul heroics. It was the Mavs’ fifth straight loss and pushed them to 8-12 on the season.

Both teams were missing star players on Saturday night. Kristaps Porzingis rested on the second of a back-to-back set for the Mavericks. Suns star Devin Booker sat out his fourth straight game with a hamstring injury.

The two teams square off again on Feb. 1. It promises to be a different game as both Porzingis and Booker are set to return. What does the Suns star’s return mean for the Mavs? Let us take a closer look.

Devin Booker to return on Monday night: How will Dallas Mavericks adjust?

Booker had 22 points in the season opener against Dallas. The Mavs used Josh Richardson as the primary defender on the Suns All-Star guard. Expect that to happen again on Monday night. Dallas will attempt to slow him down, but it will be no easy task.

Kristaps Porzingis squaring off against Deandre Ayton is another match up to watch. KP has struggled in his last three games. The Unicorn will be hoping to right the ship against the Suns. Ayton presents a difficult matchup for Porzingis, though. Fans should keep an eye on that one on Monday night.

Finding a way to slow down Devin Booker is one of the Dallas Mavericks’ keys to victory on Feb. 1. Expect another monster performance from Luka Doncic, but the 21-year-old superstar will need help to snap Dallas’ five-game skid. KP, JRich, and Dorian Finney-Smith need to step up the defense and shot-making if the Mavericks want to walk away with a win to open February. Do not miss it.