NBA Playoffs 2022 on Tuesday, 03.05.2022
In my Suns Mavericks tip, I will let the reader know that the Arizonans should have an easier time this time than they did against the Pelicans. That’s because their opponent won’t give them too many problems on the board, while at the same time returning a key man …
It’s coming down to the hoped-for showcase of superstars, as Devin Booker as well as Luka Doncic on the opposite side, after missing three first-round games each, return just in time for the start of the Conference Semifinals!
Mavs fans can also count themselves lucky, because after failing to reach the fateful first playoff round six times in a row, the Texans managed to escape that fate for the first time since 2011 with their triumph over the Jazz.
Does this represent a good omen? Because 2011 also happened to be the year Dallas not only reached the NBA Finals for the last time, but actually won them! The fact is, if the Mavericks can beat the strong Suns, they can win the title this year too!
Basketball fans can apparently set the clock by it! Because in almost every game the Suns have played against the Pelicans, they’ve been in foul trouble late in the first half before an outstanding Chris Paul bailed them out – and Game 6 was no exception.
In that game, the Pelicans were still ahead by ten points at the break before CP3 scored 33 points and a flawless performance from the free-throw line to turn the game in the right direction from the Suns’ point of view.
By the way: Chris Paul’s 14 of 14 from the free throw line not only underlines the superstar’s enormous nerve, but is also the most free throws converted without a missed attempt in the postseason.
Chris Paul has once again proven that despite his age he can always be relied on in the decisive moments. But with Devin Booker at his side, the Arizonans should now manage a much better performance than against the Pels.
Because against the Pelicans, Devin Booker was missing in half of all games. In addition, a tough first-round battle was inevitable, as New Orleans is a regular rebounding beast and already made life difficult for the Suns in the regular season!
The upcoming opponent, however, is a different story. Because the Mavs are average at catching rebounds – the Achilles heel of the Arizonans – at best! As a result, the Suns have always had the upper hand in head-to-head comparisons.
After season duels the Suns are 6 to 0, but the last duel took place in January. Since then the Texans have improved, but in my eyes still not good enough to take on the Suns.
What impressed me was the nerve of the home side in the last game against the Pels, which is fundamental for advancing in these crucial games.
Without Devin Booker, the Suns managed to convert exactly 60% of their attempts in Game 6! That’s the highest the Western Conference leaders have scored in a playoff game since 2006 and speaks volumes for their current confidence!
The top bookies have apparently done their homework! Because their Suns Mavericks odds suggest that the Suns should also have it easier than they did against the Pelicans.
This finding is therefore in line with my Suns Mavericks forecast! The 1.45 currently offered for a success of the Black and Violets has thus been chosen “fairly”.
Summary: Both sides getting their respective superstar back in time for the start of the Series tends to favour the home side. Especially as the Suns have already put in some impressive performances without the outstanding Devin Booker.
Of course, Luka Doncic will also pose a challenge for the Arizonans, but in terms of game disposition, the Pelicans were probably the trickier opponent due to their tremendous rebounding strength.
After all, it will be no coincidence that the Black and Violets have won every game against the Mavs this season (6). With their own crowd behind them and the nerves they showed against the Pels, I expect the favourites to win this one as well.
My Suns Mavericks tip is therefore: Half time/Final score 1/1.
