The NBA returns to action with a modern classic: Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks

In the night that the NBA comes back from the All-Star break, with plenty of excellent games, one of the marquee matchups is another instant classic clash between the Phoenix Suns, visiting the Dallas Mavericks. Both teams fighting to secure a place for the next playoffs, with Luka Doncic and Devin Booker having another chapter of this modern rivalry.

The Dallas Mavericks want to take advantage of home court in this new edition of a classic duel against the Suns. With a record of 33-22, Phoenix is currently at the 5th spot in the Western Conference, and a victory on the road against the Mavs could mean taking over the fourth standing from the New Orleans Pelicans. This is crucial, positions 1-4 have homecourt advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

Dallas needs a victory to continue to gain confidence in the newly assembled team. The Mavs were very active before the trade deadline, bringing Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington to strengthten their frontcourt. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are their main weapons to untie the head-to-head between both teams. Irving didn't played in any of the previous games between these teams, so he's surely going to be a factor to keep an eye on for the Suns' defense.

Bradley Beal's status for the game is questionable, but the other two stars of this offensive monster, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant will play from the start.

Dallas appears as a favorite to win by a low, thin margin. We'll have to see how the Arizona franchise plays defense againts these new and improved Mavericks team.