The Dallas Mavericks arrive in Phoenix searching for traction, answers, and health as they prepare to face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
Dallas enters the matchup riding a seven-game losing streak and holding a 19–33 record, placing it 12th in the Western Conference. Phoenix, meanwhile, sits seventh in the West at 31–22 but enters the night having dropped two straight games at home.
The Mavericks’ availability picture remains unsettled. Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery) are both out, while Klay Thompson is listed as questionable due to rest after missing shootaround Tuesday morning.
Max Christie Finding Confidence
While rotation questions persist, Max Christie has quietly emerged as a consistent shooting threat. Christie is shooting 42.9% from three-point range this season — a mark higher than six of the eight players selected for the NBA’s three-point contest during All-Star Weekend.
Despite that, Christie said he took the omission in stride.
“Congrats to those guys that are in it,” Christie said. “Regardless of if I’m in it or not, I’m still having a pretty good season so far shooting the ball. So that’s really all that matters.”
Christie added that he believes his name came up during the selection process.
“I think (the NBA) reached out to my agent and (to Mavs coach Jason) Kidd a little bit,” he said. “But it is what it is. The three-point contest is cool. But hopefully I’ll have more chances at that now.”
Integrating New Faces on the Fly
Dallas continues to adjust following a busy trade deadline that reshaped its rotation. Guards Tyus Jones and AJ Johnson, forward Khris Middleton, and center Marvin Bagley III were all added in recent deals.
Jones, Johnson, and Bagley all played in Saturday’s loss to San Antonio. Middleton, who had not yet joined the team for that game, practiced Monday and is expected to make his debut against Phoenix.
“It’s the business of basketball,” Christie said. “I was part of it last year. Obviously, getting close to the guys that left, it’s tough to see them go. That’s the business. The new guys have been great so far. I’m happy to incorporate them into our system and just get them comfortable with what we do here.”
Phoenix Suns Searching for Offensive Rhythm
Phoenix enters Tuesday’s contest looking to rebound after a 109–103 loss to Philadelphia, a game in which it shot just 23.9% from three-point range. The Suns will be without Grayson Allen (right knee sprain) and Isiah Livers (left shoulder sprain).
The teams have met once this season — a Nov. 12 matchup in Dallas that Phoenix won 123–114. Devin Booker led the Suns with 26 points and nine assists in that game, while Thompson scored 19 points for Dallas.
Road Ahead for Dallas Mavericks Before the Break
The Mavericks practiced Monday at Grand Canyon University before heading into the final stretch before the All-Star break. Following Tuesday’s game, Dallas will close the pre-break schedule Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles.
Tipoff between the Mavericks and Suns is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
Latest Dallas Mavericks News & Trade Rumors
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