The Suns return home following a three-game, four-day road trip that concluded Monday night in Minnesota. The Suns are fat and happy, winners of nine in a row. Feeding into the Suns' relaxed mind is knowing they don't have to worry about Luka Doncic. He's out with knee and ankle sprains.

This sets up a classic underdog spot for Dallas. The Mavericks are playing well, too, winning five of their last six.

The Mavericks not only will be motivated by triple revenge, but the challenge of their first game minus their superstar guard. I expect the rest of the Dallas' players to step up. Kristaps Porzingis has played well since returning to the lineup scoring 61 points in his last two games. Jalen Brunson has been an unsung star coming off the bench. He'll get more minutes now with Doncic out.

The Suns' last two games were against bottom feeders Houston and Minnesota. Phoenix ranks last in strength of schedule. This is the Suns' toughest opponent during their last 12 games.