PREVIEW: The Dallas Mavericks arrive in Phoenix riding a seven-game losing streak, looking to snap their skid against a Suns team that has also stumbled recently. Dallas sits in 12th place with a 19-33 record, while Phoenix holds seventh at 31-22, just one game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavericks excel defensively with good defense against shots attacking the rim and allow few 3-point attempts on the perimeter, ranking third in limiting opponent three-point opportunities. The Mavericks score slightly more efficiently than the Suns, averaging 114.2 points per game, though Phoenix boasts elite defensive credentials that have stifled opponents this season. The Suns bring formidable strengths to the matchup, particularly their ability to force turnovers at the second-best rate in the league and their elite offensive rebounding ranked third in the NBA. Phoenix has dominated this season's head-to-head matchup, winning their previous encounter 123-114, and has taken three of the last four meetings between these conference rivals. The Mavericks will be without key pieces including Kyrie Irving, who remains out with a knee injury, while Dereck Lively II is sidelined for the season. Dallas will need to leverage its rebounding advantage and size down low to create second-chance opportunities against a Phoenix squad that has struggled with defensive rebounding.