Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks Preview – April 8, 2026

8th April 2026

The final game of a seven-match Wednesday night card sees the Dallas Mavericks visit Phoenix to face the Suns – but the headline here is that Devin Booker is Out for the hosts. Phoenix are still favored at 1.21 on the moneyline, reflecting a Dallas side that has been struggling despite a faster pace. Tip-off at 2:00 AM ET (UK: 7:00 AM) at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Full game data: statz.ai/nba.

Devin Booker Out – Suns Without Their Best Player

Booker was averaging 26.1 points per game over the last 10 – the top scorer in this match-up – and his absence fundamentally changes Phoenix’s offensive ceiling. Jordan Goodwin and Caleb Martin are also Out for the Suns. Jalen Green (21.9 ppg) now becomes the clear go-to option for Phoenix, supported by Grayson Allen (13.8 ppg) and Dillon Brooks (12.3 ppg).

Dallas come in with a cleaner injury report – no major absences listed. Mark Williams (13.0 ppg) and the Dallas supporting cast will have a more straightforward assignment defensively without Booker in the mix.

Dallas Pace Advantage – The Key Variable

Dallas run a significantly faster pace at 104.2 (Fast) vs Phoenix’s 98.4 (Average) – a 5.8-possession gap per game. Dallas will try to push tempo and force Phoenix into uncomfortable transition situations. Without Booker dictating half-court offense, Phoenix may struggle to impose their preferred pace.

The O/U is set at 230.5 – a moderate total that reflects uncertainty around both teams’ scoring capacity without their key players.

Ratings Breakdown

Offensive ratings are almost identical: Phoenix 105.6, Dallas 105.4. The significant gap is on defense: Phoenix’s defensive rating of 101.6 is much better than Dallas’s 113.9. Dallas give up points, and without Booker generating offense, Phoenix need their defense to be the difference. On that metric, they should be comfortable.

Win rates: PHX 40%, DAL 20% – neither team has been particularly good over the last 10, but Dallas’s 20% is a rough patch. Their defensive rating of 113.9 is very poor and may be the reason.

Head-to-Head – Phoenix Perfect in the Series

Phoenix lead the season series 2-0:

Average margin: +9 in Phoenix’s favor. Dallas have not beaten Phoenix this season. But Booker played in both those wins – tonight is a different equation.

Shooting Comparison

Near-even on FG: PHX 46.7% vs DAL 46.9%. Phoenix have the edge from three (36.1% vs 33.5%) and from the line (82.1% vs 74.7%) – the FT differential of 7.4% is the largest of any comparison in this match-up and could matter in a close game. Dallas are a poor free throw team this season.

Betting Lines

Via Polymarket:

Phoenix at -10.5 without Booker is a line worth scrutinising. Jalen Green is a capable scorer but Booker is irreplaceable as a lead playmaker. No active prop streaks flagged for this game on Statz. Check NBA props, NBA projections, and the Statz bet builder before tip-off. Full night coverage at statz.ai/nba.