Mavericks Face Suns in First Game Following GM Nico Harrison’s Departure

The Dallas Mavericks (3-8) host the Phoenix Suns tonight at 7:30 p.m. CST, marking their first game since the organization and General Manager Nico Harrison mutually agreed to part ways yesterday.

Harrison’s dismissal comes less than nine months after he engineered a significant trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Davis’s current status is uncertain, listed as questionable with a leg injury, potentially impacting the Mavericks’ frontcourt. The team is already navigating several injuries, with Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum, and Dereck Lively II all sidelined.

Despite the roster challenges, the Mavericks saw a promising performance from rookie Cooper Flagg in their recent narrow defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, where he recorded a career-high 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Suns (6-5), meanwhile, have maintained a solid start to the season despite the absence of Jalen Green due to a hamstring injury, relying on the offensive leadership of Devin Booker, who averages 28.4 points and 6.8 assists per game. For more on NBA standings, visit NBA.com.

A key area for the Mavericks to exploit could be the Suns’ turnover rate, as Devin Booker averages over four turnovers per game, the third-highest in the league. This presents an opportunity for Dallas to generate points off turnovers, a strategy that could prove crucial in a closely contested matchup. You can find the full Mavericks injury report here.

Following tonight’s game, the Mavericks will continue their home stand with matchups against the LA Clippers on Friday and the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.