Bodog Beat

The Dallas Mavericks seek their eighth win in nine games tonight when they host the struggling Phoenix Suns in a matchup between perennial contenders still adjusting to their new coaches. (AI Wire Images)

The Mavericks have won seven of eight (6-2 ATS) to re-establish themselves as contenders in the West. Their lone loss in that stretch came on the road against the conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.

The Suns are going in the other direction. Phoenix won eight of its first 11 games under Terry Porter but has lost five of eight since the hot start. It has not helped that Steve Nash has been fighting a bruised thigh. The Suns are averaging 101.3 points when Nash plays, compared with 93.3 points in the three games he's missed this season.

Dallas took two of three meetings with the Suns last season, including the only one at the American Airlines Center. Get all your NBA basketball odds in the Bodog Sportsbook now.