Mavericks at Suns
The Dallas Mavericks aim to continue a solid stretch of basketball when they visit the NBA-worst Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Dallas has won three straight games and 12 of its last 15 after posting a 114-107 home win over Atlanta on Wednesday.
Part of the Mavericks' rise has been its stellar play at home, where they have won their last 11 contests - the franchise's longest such streak since capturing 12 straight during the 2007-08 campaign. Harrison Barnes scored 25 points in the win over the Hawks and has matched his season high of five 3-pointers in each of the last two games. Phoenix has lost 10 straight contests - eight by double digits - and was trounced 111-86 by host San Antonio on Tuesday. Devin Booker (hamstring) will his miss sixth consecutive game for the Suns, who have failed to reach 100 points in six of their last eight contests.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (15-11): Luka Doncic has been the NBA's top rookie over the first third of the season, and his all-around game again was on display as he recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the win over Atlanta. Veteran Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) is progressing toward making his season debut, but coach Rick Carlisle only would say that he is "getting closer." J.J. Barea scored 18 points in 16 minutes against the Hawks before departing with a sprained left ankle and appears doubtful for Thursday's game.
ABOUT THE SUNS (4-24): Phoenix has used some patchwork lineups with Booker and other players out of the lineup, and coach Igor Kokoskov said the juggling has been a major issue. "Extremely tough, you couldn't even imagine," Kokoskov told reporters. "When you're coaching the game, you feel like you're coaching summer league because you have backups. We have a bunch of young guys, so it's extremely tough." Deandre Ayton is one of the players who figures to be battling Doncic for Rookie of the Year honors as the No. 1 overall draft pick has registered 16 double-doubles while averaging 15.8 points and 10.2 rebounds.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Suns have won each of the last six meetings, including a 121-100 home victory on Oct. 17.
2. Phoenix made 19 3-pointers in the October triumph, tying for fourth-most in franchise history.
3. Dallas PG Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) is expected to miss his fifth straight game.