Mavericks at Suns: Game 27 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (15-11) at Phoenix Suns (15-10)
Dec. 21, 8:00 CST at the US Airways Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Suns by 3

2012-13 Matchups

Dec. 6 at Phoenix
Suns 97 Mavs 94
Jan. 27 at Dallas
Mavs 110 Suns 95
Feb. 1 at Phoenix
Mavs 109 Suns 99
Apr. 10 at Dallas
Suns 103 Mavs 92

All-Time Series
Suns 73 Mavs 64

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 7th (107.8)
Defense: 18th (105.9)
Suns
Offense: 8th (107.8)
Defense: 17th (105.7)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: DeJuan Blair
Suns
PG: Eric Bledsoe
SG: Goran Dragic
SF: P.J. Tucker
PF: Channing Frye
C: Miles Plumlee

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.0
RPG: Marion, Blair, 7.3
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 23.3
Suns
PPG: Dragic, 19.0
RPG: Plumlee, 8.8
APG: Bledsoe, 6.3
PER: Bledsoe, 20.9

Notes
The Suns are one probably the biggest surprise in the league under first year coach Jeff Hornacek. After last night's one point loss in overtime, the Mavs are 3-3 in games decided by three points or less. After two straight  strong games Vince Carter's scoreless 18 minutes last night were the most minutes he has ever played in a game he has gone without scoring. The Suns are extremely young team, with Channing Frye being there oldest player at only 30 years of age.