Mavericks vs. Suns: Game 21 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (15-5) vs. Phoenix Suns (11-8)
Fri. Dec. 5, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 5.5

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 21 at Phoenix
Suns 123 Mavs 108
Jan. 17 at Phoenix
Mavs 110 Suns 107
Apr. 12 at Dallas
Mavs 101 Suns 98

All-Time Series
Suns 74 Mavs 66

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 113.4 (1st)
Def. Rating: 103.3 (13th)
Point Differential: +8.4
Suns
Offense: 105.0 (13th)
Defense: 102.4 (11th)
Point Differential: +2.0

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Suns
PG: Eric Bledsoe
SG: Goran Dragic
SF: P.J. Tucker
PF: Markieff Morris
C: Miles Plumlee

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.7
RPG: Chandler, 11.9
APG: Ellis, 4.8
PER: Wright, 26.7
Win Shares: Chandler, 3.1
Suns
PPG: Dragic, Thomas, 15.5
RPG: Mark. Morris, 6.4
APG: Bledsoe, 5.8
PER: Thomas, 22.8
Win Shares:Thomas, Mark. Morris, Bledsoe, 1.6

Of Note

• The last time these two teams met, the Mavs clinched a playoff berth in game #81 thanks to 37 points from Monta Ellis.
• The Mavs have won 11 out of their last 12 home games against the Suns.
• Dirk is expected back after sitting out Wednesday's game to rest his injured back.
• Isaiah Thomas who has missed the Suns' last four games with an injured ankle is listed as questionable.
• In the past four games Monta is averaging 18.5 points per game.... in the second half.