Humbled on their own floor

The Luka Doncic hype train got derailed on Wednesday as he and the Dallas Mavericks got clobbered by the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 114-99. The loss featured the Mavs’ season low in points and field goal shooting (38%), while their 20 turnovers was second-highest all year.

Saturday should be a day for redeeming themselves and starting another hot run. Doncic and his partner in crime, Kristaps Porzingis, should look to start aggressive early, as they combined for 10 turnovers and only shot 8-for-27 from the floor during recent defeat.

Doncic is almost averaging a 30-point triple-double, with all-around numbers of 30.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 9.5 assists, while Porzingis is at 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks.

The Mavs are 11-6 on the season and they are 4th in scoring (117.9 PPG) and first in offensive efficiency.

Sunset time in Phoenix?

The Suns appear to have gone back to their old ways. After a surprising start that saw them win five of their first seven games, they lost seven of their next 10. The defense is also being exposed as they are allowing 119.6 PPG in in their last four outings.

Missing Ayton and their starting floor general

Devin Booker (24.9 PPG, 6.2 APG) is still the reliable scorer that he is and Kelly Oubre Jr. (17.2 PPG) is still playing the best basketball of his career, but it seems that they are now feeling the pressure of not having big man DeAndre Ayton around, who still has nine games left to serve in his suspension.

Starting point guard Ricky Rubio (12.9 PPG, 7.8 APG) missed a couple of games this past week due to a back injury and that may have also played a role. The eighth-year veteran returned to action in Thursday’s 140-132 loss to the Washington Wizards and had 18 points and four assists in 25 minutes. Now that he appears to be healthy, we’ll see if he can help guide a turnaround.

The Suns are 8-0 on the season. They are second in assists (27.5 APG) and first in drawing fouls against their opponents.

PREDICTION:

The Mavericks get back in the win column, 125-113.

Lookout for an offensive showdown between Luka and D-Book. Doncic will have the Clippers game in his head and should explode and beat the 29.5 scoring line set for him.