Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 27 | 2024-25 NBA season

The Dallas Mavericks open a tough four-game road stretch with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Coming off a 105-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day, the Mavericks hope to bounce back with Luka Doncic on the inactive list. The Slovenian will sit courtside due to a left calf strain.

Meanwhile, the Suns look to build on an impressive 110-100 Christmas Day win against the Denver Nuggets when they host the Mavs. Phoenix will not have Devin Booker in the lineup because of a left groin strain. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal will try to hold the fort for the home team.

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Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks injury report

Dante Exum is still not with the team as he is recovering from right wrist surgery. Luka Doncic is unavailable because of a calf injury. Dereck Lively II is questionable due to a left hip contusion.

Phoenix Suns injury report

Joining Devin Booker on the inactive list is Grayson Allen, who is under the league’s concussion protocol. Bol Bol is also out with a left knee contusion. TyTy Washington Jr. and Collin Gillespie will not suit up for the Suns as they have been sent to the G League.

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Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Starting lineups and depth chart

Dallas Mavericks starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Kyrie Irving	Jazian Gortman
Spencer Dinwiddie	Quentin Grimes	Jaden Hardy
Klay Thompson	Naji Marshall
PJ Washington	Maxi Kleber	Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Dereck Lively II	Daniel Gafford	Dwight Powell

Phoenix Suns starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Tyus Jones	Monte Morris
Bradley Beal	Josh Okogie	Damion Lee
Ryan Dunn	Royce O'Neale	Jalen Bridges
Kevin Durant	Oso Ighodaro
Jusuf Nurkic	Mason Plumlee

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Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns: Key matchups

Kevin Durant vs. PJ Washington

Without Devin Booker, Kevin Durant will get a bump in attempts on Friday. The former MVP has been superb this month, averaging 27.6 points per game on 47.9% shooting, including 35.9% from deep. Stopping him will fall on the shoulders of PJ Washington.

Washington must limit the production of the four-time scoring champ for the Mavericks to have a chance of beating the Suns. If KD catches fire, winning on the road might be too tough for the visitors.

Kyrie Irving vs. Tyus Jones or Bradley Beal

Kyrie Irving took 27 shots in the Mavericks' Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Luka out, Irving becomes the No. 1 option for Dallas on offense. It will be on Tyus Jones and Bradley Beal to prevent Uncle Drew from having a big scoring night.

Dallas' offense stutters if Jones and Bradley can contain the mercurial point guard.

Jusuf Nurkic vs. Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II

The team that controls the boards likely wins the Mavericks-Suns game on Friday. Dallas is sixth in the NBA in rebounding with 45.4 rebounds per game. Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II give the Mavericks the boost on that end.

Meanwhile, the Suns are 25th in the NBA in rebounds with 42.7 RPG. Jusuf Nurkic cannot allow the Mavs to dominate the boards. How he jostles against Lively and Gafford is an interesting subheading on Friday.