Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NBA game Thursday?

The Phoenix Suns (34-9) and Dallas Mavericks (26-19) face off on Thursday at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MST and can be seen on TNT.

Who will win the game?

Check out these odds, picks, and predictions for the contest.

The Suns are a 2.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.

Phoenix is -145 on the money line and Indiana is +120.

The over/under for the game is set at 213.5 points.

More: Phoenix Suns, not Golden State Warriors, should be West favorite, ESPN's JJ Redick says

Action Network: Take Suns to cover vs. Mavericks

Joe Dellera writes: "This matchup puts two red-hot teams against each other. I think there’s value on one side: the Suns. Phoenix can attack and defend every style of play, while the Mavericks have pigeon-holed their offensive attack into the half-court. Phoenix has an edge due to its versatility. I also think there’s additional value here due to the rest and the possibility that Porzingis sits. Regardless, I like the line as it is for the Suns. Moreover, this is a spot the Suns have excelled in — they’re 11-6 against the spread and 15-2 straight-up as a road favorite. I’ll lay the points and expect the Suns to remain hotter than the Mavs. As of Wednesday night, you can still find -1.5 so be sure to get the best number."

Sports Betting Dime: Take the under in Suns vs. Mavericks game

Chris Amberley writes: "Phoenix brings the NBA’s fifth highest rated offense into play on Thursday, but as good as Booker and Co. have been, this game has a strong chance to underwhelm on the scoreboard. That’s because Dallas is not only one of the top defensive teams in the NBA, ranking third in scoring defense, but also because they play at a snail’s pace. The Mavericks operate at the league’s second slowest pace, and average the second fewest possessions per outing. Not surprisingly, unders have dominated their contests this season hitting in five straight, and in 29 of 44 overall. The Suns meanwhile are no defensive slouch, ranking second in defensive rating. The under has cashed in three of their past four outings, while the two teams have combined to average just 209.5 points this season in two meetings."

More: Doncic, Mavericks edge Raptors, 102-98, face NBA-best Suns next

Will Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns beat Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA game on Thursday night?
Will Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns beat Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA game on Thursday night?

Stat Salt: Go with the Mavericks in game vs. Suns

Jason Raffoul writes: "Dallas center Kristaps Porzingis played 27:33 in his second game back after missing seven straight while in the NBA's health and safety protocol. He left the game for good with 3:51 to play with Dallas leading 94-91 and appeared upset when subbed out. Coach Jason Kidd said he's not yet ready to play Porzingis more than 30 minutes a game. He was clearly upset, but all that means is that he’ll be ready to rock in this big game against the Suns. The Mavericks are playing their best basketball of the season, victorious in nine of their last 10 games. They may not upend the electric Suns, but they should do enough to keep the game close and cover the spread. Take the Mavericks here."

Picks and Parlays: Suns 110, Mavericks 103

It writes: "Phoenix C Deandre Ayton is dealing with a right ankle sprain and will not suit up for this contest. The Suns rank fourth in the league in offensive efficiency and are the better defensive team. Take Phoenix to cover on the road."

More: Dominating Dallas: A look back at Suns current 8-game win streak over Mavericks

Sports Chat Place: Take the Mavericks with the points vs. Suns

Randy Chambers writes: "The Phoenix Suns have the rest advantage and have been one of the more consistent teams in the league, which includes winning on the road by an average of 7.4 points. With that said, the Mavs have been a different team since the return of Doncic, and they’re winning their last five games by an average of 7.2 points. The Suns will be without Ayton for this contest, which is a big blow. It also feels like the Mavericks are looking for a statement win to solidify this stretch. Give me the free bucket."

Winners and Whiners: Go with the Suns to cover vs. Mavericks

It writes: "The Suns have Dallas’ number. This Phoenix team is deep and dangerous, even without Deandre Ayton on the floor. JaVale McGee is a solid replacement that’s averaging double-scoring figures and putting up a fight defensively. You’ll never have to worry about effort when he’s in the lineup. Devin Booker and Chris Paul are going to take this game over and keep the Mavs on their heels. Mikal Bridges is also someone to watch considering he had a breakout game in the last head-to-head meeting with Dallas. The shooting percentage and scoring is way down for the Mavs, and they’ll be stepping onto the floor with the second-ranked defensive team in the league. The Suns have been on fire on this road trip, and they don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. And the Mavs certainly haven’t really shown anything to make me think they’d be the team to stop them. This isn’t anywhere near the powerhouse offense the Mavs had a couple years ago. The Suns can outscore them and shut them down on the defensive end. That makes winning an uphill climb if you’re the Mavs. I’m rolling with Phoenix in this one."

More: Suns Pulse: Best record midway point, Booker vs. 'Raptor' and back-to-back 30-point react

Five Thirty Eight: Mavericks have a 51% win probability

The site gives the Suns a 49% win probability in the game.

ESPN: Suns have a 51% chance to win

The site's Basketball Power Index gives the Mavericks a 49% chance to win the game.

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks picks, predictions, odds, NBA game