Game Preview: Phoenix Suns open their home schedule against the Dallas Mavericks

Can the Suns rebound after a heartbreaking loss to the Lakers?

Who: Dallas Mavericks (1-0) @ Phoenix Suns (1-1)

When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time

Where: Footprint Center — Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7

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The Phoenix Suns are set to open their home season at Footprint Center against the Dallas Mavericks, hoping to rebound after a tough 116-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. While going 82-0 is out of the question, bouncing back after a close game like Friday’s is crucial, especially as they showed glimpses of last season’s highs and lows. Facing a Mavericks team that’s looking strong and hungry, the Suns will need to tighten up defensively and bring their best effort to avoid a second straight loss.

For the Suns, this matchup is more than just another game—it’s an early-season test to see if they can maintain the intensity and cohesion required to compete at the top of the West. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are expected to lead the charge, but the supporting cast will also need to step up and find ways to counter Dallas’s offensive firepower, particularly if Klay Thompson continues his impressive form.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks come in riding the momentum of their season opener, and with a healthy Klay Thompson, they pose a significant challenge on both ends of the court. Dallas’s balanced attack, combined with their versatility on defense, could exploit any lingering weaknesses in the Suns’ lineup.

The stage is set for an intense battle between two teams with high expectations, and the outcome could set the tone for both squads as they carve out their place in the Western Conference.

Projected Lineups

Injuries

Suns

• Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Personal)
• Bradley Beal — QUESTIONABLE (Right Shoulder Elbow)
• Josh Okogie — OUT (Hamstring)

Mavericks

• Dante Exum — OUT (Right wrist)

Uniform Matchup

What to Watch For

It can’t be true! Klay Thompson is really back to being the old Klay Thompson? Game one for the Mavericks showed glimpses that he might truly be the same as before. His shooting was smooth, his defense was sharp, and he had that same intensity we remember. It’s like he hasn’t missed a beat, and if this is what he’s bringing every night, the Mavericks just became even more dangerous. Fans have been waiting for this moment, and now, it feels like Klay is ready to reclaim his spot as one of the league’s elite.

Let’s just continue to watch…it has only been one game. But it’s scary to think that Klay might be back to his old self. If so, the Suns will have a tough time dealing with his size defensively and trying to keep up with the Mavericks’ passing and shooting.

Adding Klay’s impact to the mix makes them even harder to guard, and it could open up the floor for everyone else. If this continues, they’ll be a force to reckon with in the West.

Keys to a Suns Victory

Finish the job.

The Suns jumped out to a 22-point lead in the first half against the Lakers, setting the tone early and showing flashes of their potential dominance. However, maintaining that level of intensity for all four quarters has proven challenging.

Not a good look after blowing the lead and failing to answer in the fourth quarter against the Lakers. The Suns need to stay focused and avoid getting too high and mighty, especially against a disciplined Mavericks team. Dallas plays with a high basketball IQ and could easily blow the Suns out — or at the very least keep things close — if Phoenix doesn’t lock in on both ends. Consistency will be key if they want to turn these early-season challenges into statement wins.

Prediction

The Suns lose a close one, 122-120, and are now on the verge of starting the season 1-4 with a tough schedule ahead. Could panic be brewing in Phoenix after last year’s struggles?