Suns vs. Mavericks prediction, odds, line: 2022 NBA playoff picks, Game 1 best bets from model on 86-58 run

Dallas and Phoenix will both be hoping that their young superstars can stay healthy heading into the opening game of their Western Conference semifinal matchup on Monday in the 2022 NBA playoffs. The Mavericks were without Luka Doncic for the first three games in their series win over Utah, while Phoenix was missing Devin Booker for three contests against New Orleans. Dallas dropped all three meetings against the Suns in the regular season, but all three decisions came by single digits, and the Mavs covered twice. 

Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET from the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Phoenix is listed as 5.5-point favorite in the latest Suns vs. Mavericks odds from Caesars Sportsbook, with the over-under set at 215. Before locking in any Mavericks vs. Suns picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters the third full week of the 2022 NBA playoffs on a stunning 86-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,100. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Suns vs. Mavs, and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Mavs vs. Suns:

• Mavericks vs. Suns spread: Phoenix -5.5
• Mavericks vs. Suns over-under: 214.5 points
• Mavericks vs. Suns money line: Phoenix -250, Dallas +205
• DAL: Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last four Monday games
• PHO: Suns are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 Conference semifinal games

Why the Suns can cover

Playoff experience becomes an even bigger factor in the latter rounds of the postseason, which bodes well for Phoenix on Monday night. The Suns made it to the NBA Finals last year, while Dallas just advanced past the first round for the first time since Doncic came into the NBA. This is going to be a tough matchup for Doncic, as he is facing NBA Defensive Player of the Year finalist Mikal Bridges.

Phoenix center Deandre Ayton had to deal with Kristaps Porzingis when these teams met in the regular season, but Porzingis is no longer with the Mavericks. Booker also appears to be back to full health, as he played 32 minutes in the clincher against New Orleans. The Suns have covered the spread at a 23-7 clip in their last 30 home games as favorites of six points or less.

Why the Mavericks can cover

Doncic is an elite all-around player. Doncic is extremely aggressive with the ball in his hands, either setting up the offense or finding his own shot. The three-time All-Star also consistently snags boards. Doncic is leading the team in points (29), rebounds (10.7) and assists (5.7) during the postseason. In the closeout victory over the Jazz, Doncic produced 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Guard Jalen Brunson is another scoring option in the backcourt for Dallas. Brunson is a quick and agile ball-handler who has a variety of ways to score. The Villanova product has a smooth mid-range jump shot but attacks the rack with strength. Brunson is averaging 27.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. 

How to make Mavericks vs. Suns picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning over on the total, projecting 223 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits over 60 percent of the time. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Suns vs. Mavs? And which side of the spread hits more than 60 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.