SUNS HOST STRUGGLING MAVERICKS IN TUESDAY NIGHT MATCHUP PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Phoenix Suns look to solidify their playoff positioning when they host the reeling Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night at Mortgage Matchup Center. The Suns (31-22) enter having dropped two straight, including a 109-103 home loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. They sit in the middle of the Western Conference playoff picture but have gone just 4-6 in their last 10 games. Forward Royce O’Neale has been a consistent contributor, averaging 9.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists over his last 10 contests. He posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to the 76ers. Dallas (19-33) arrives on a five-game losing skid and owns one of the worst records in the conference. The Mavericks are coming off a 138-125 road loss to San Antonio on Saturday, a game in which they allowed 138 points for the second time in three outings. A bright spot in the loss was forward-center Marvin Bagley III, who recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in 24 minutes off the bench. The teams last met on Nov. 12, 2025, a 123-114 Phoenix victory in Dallas. For the Suns, the game represents a chance to steady themselves before a difficult stretch that includes upcoming games against Oklahoma City, Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers. Guard Devin Booker, who had 21 points and nine assists against Philadelphia, remains the focal point of the Phoenix offense. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are searching for answers during a prolonged slump. Beyond Bagley, guard Brandon Williams (18 points, 4 assists vs. San Antonio) and Max Christie (17 points) have provided sparks, but the team has struggled to find consistent defense or closing efforts. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time. Phoenix continues its homestand Wednesday against the Thunder, while Dallas travels to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.