Suns Vs. Mavericks Game Preview: TV Schedule, Key Matchups And More

USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns return home to face the Dallas Mavericks tonight at U.S. Airways Center. Phoenix is coming off a 1-5 east coast road trip, the Suns have lost four games in a row, the last three by single digits. Phoenix fell to Memphis in overtime 108-98 on Tuesday night, allowing Zach Randolph to go off for 38 points and 22 rebounds.

Phoenix Update

The Suns are currently on a season high four-game losing streak. They went just 1-5 on their six game road trip, including a 40-point loss to the Pistons. Goran Drajic leads the team in minutes played, points, steals and assists, and Marcin Gortat is the team's leading rebounder and shot blocker. Tonight is also "satisfaction guaranteed night" in Phoenix, as the Suns are having a promotion where if fans do not enjoy themselves, they will be given a refund for their ticket.

Dallas Update

The Mavericks have lost four of their last five games, including a 22-point loss to the Clippers last night in Los Angeles. Vince Carter led the Mavericks with 16 points off the bench and Elton Brand grabbed nine rebounds in a losing effort. Dallas is still without star forward Dirk Nowitzki, who is rehabbing a knee injury and has not played in a game this season.

Game Preview

Tipoff: 8:30 p.m. MST/ 10:30 p.m. PST
Television/Radio: TNT/Arizona Sports 620

Projected Starting Lineups:

PG - Goran Drajic vs. Derek Fisher
SG - Shannon Brown vs. O.J. Mayo
SF - Michael Beasley vs. Shawn Marion
PF - Markieff Morris vs. Elton Brand
C - Marcin Gortat vs. Chris Kaman

Key Stat: 102.9

The Suns give up an average of 102.9 points per game, which puts them 30th in the NBA. Phoenix has given up at least 101 points in each of their last four games (all losses). The Mavericks average 98.8 points per game, and have not scored 100 points in their last five games. The Suns are 5-9 this season when they give up over 100 points.

Key Matchup: Shannon Brown vs. O.J. Mayo

Mayo leads the Mavericks in scoring, with 19.7 points per game and is the go-to guy for Dallas. While Brown is only averaging 11.9 points per game on the season, he has scored in double figures in his last three games. Mayo shoots an impressive 47% from the field and over 50% from three point territory, so Brown's defense on the former USC star will be crucial to a Phoenix victory.

Follow Bright Side of the Sun for in game coverage of the action tonight.