Suns vs Mavericks Game 2 Odds, Spread & Betting Pick

If the Phoenix Suns continue to shoot the way they did in game 1, then this Suns vs Mavericks series is going to be over in a hurry. There’s a reason why Phoenix is listed as -250 moneyline favorites in the Suns vs Mavericks Game 2 odds.

The final shooting numbers from the opener aren’t really indicative of how the majority of the game was played. The Suns kept the Mavericks at an arms length for more than three quarters of action. Up until the ladder part of the 4th quarter Phoenix was shooting 63% from the field.

Suns vs Mavericks Game 2 Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.

New York online sports betting markets list Phoenix as 6.5-point favorites in the Suns vs Mavericks Game 2 odds. This NBA Playoff matchup tips off at 10:00 PM EST at Footprint Center with the point total sitting at 216.5.

The Suns are still the favorite to win the NBA Championship in 2022 at BetMGM Sportsbook, with their odds to win it all at just +250. The Luka Doncic led Mavericks meanwhile, have the longest odds to win it all at +4000, which was a top NBA Futures pick before the postseason started.

Suns Listed as Betting Favorites in Game 2

In their 7 games in the 2022 NBA postseason the Phoenix Suns have yet to shoot below 50%. This was something that you’d expect to be difficult to continue against Dallas, who under Jason Kidd have the 6th best defensive rating in the Association.

Suns-Mavs Game 2 betting at @BetMGM @Suns opened -5.5, now -6.5
▪️ 76% of tickets, 71% of handle on Suns

Total opened 215.5, now 216.5
▪️ 60% of tickets, 41% of handle on OVER@dallasmavs opened +200, no movement
▪️ 43% of tickets, 32% of handle on Mavs

— John Ewing 🦁 (@johnewing) May 4, 2022

The Suns have two great distributors to shape their offense around in Devin Booker and Chris Paul. But what was the difference in game 1 was Deandre Ayton, who was able to pour in some easy buckets on route to a team high 25-points.

Phoenix is the most efficient team in the NBA from the field. If they continue to dominate on the glass like they did in game 1 (51-36), then it’s going to be nearly impossible for the Mavericks to steal one on the road.

Can the Mavericks Find Their Defense?

The Jason Kidd hire in Dallas was one of the best moves of the Luka Doncic era. The Mavericks have played phenomenal defensive basketball this season and they’ll need to get back to that if they want to improve upon their 13-20 record against the spread as underdogs this season.

The eye test from game 1 will tell you something that can easily be improved upon. The effort level on the defensive side wasn’t where it needed to be. Dallas needs to do a better job contesting shots on each and every play. Especially when they’re playing at one of the slowest paces in the NBA, every possession counts.

Game 2 is going to come down to the play of Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber on the defensive side of the floor, the two were a combined -26 when they were on the floor in the series opener. Making life difficult in the paint and defending the glass will be essential.

Suns vs Mavericks Game 2 Pick & Prediction

There are a number of good things that the Mavericks can take away from their performance in game 1. They had to play a large portion of this game without Jalen Brunson. Although they never had a lead, they were still able to keep themselves within striking distance. Which ultimately gave them an opportunity to get back into it late in the 4th.

The Suns level of play from it’s starters right now is at a point of unsustainability. The 121 points they scored against Dallas is the most the Mavs have given up since April 1st. The scoring efficiency isn’t going to be nearly as easy as it’s come so far.

The Mavericks are an NBA best 24-8 (75%) against the spread after a loss this season. I think they learn a lot from game 1 and make the necessary adjustments to give themselves a chance to steal this game on the road.

Take Dallas to cover the spread in the Suns vs Mavericks Game 2 odds at -115 at BetMGM.

Pick: Mavericks +6.5 (-115) at BetMGM Sportsbook

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