2 things to watch for as the Mavericks take on the Suns

The Dallas Mavericks (32-48) take on the Phoenix Suns (19-62) in the last Dallas home game of the season. In the first two matchups this season, the Suns eviscerated the Mavs off strong performances from Devin Booker and T.J. Warren. In the third matchup, the Mavs returned the favor with an incredible performance by Luka Doncic.

Though the Mavs are thought to be tanking, sort of, there is the bigger matter at hand of one Dirk Nowitzki to consider in tonight’s game, possibly his last at American Airlines Center.

Here’s what to watch for:

Dirk’s last home game?

If this is it for Dirk, this would be his last game at American Airlines Center, and the Mavericks are planning as if he’s not coming back — just in case.

“It’s going to be amazing,” owner Mark Cuban told Mavs.com prior to Sunday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. “Before (the game), during (the game), and we’re going to keep people afterwards and do something extra special.

It’s pretty incredible that even the team doesn’t know at this point, and just has to kind of plan around what might be. I, for one, hope Dirk makes it awkward and comes back for another season. Dirk forever, Dirk for always.

Who will score the points?

In each of the last three matchups between these two teams, we’ve had incredible scoring performances from young stars in Doncic, Booker and Warren. Well, Devin Booker has been shut down for the season, as has DeAndre Ayton, and Luka Doncic has been in and out of the lineup (more out lately) with that pesky tanking syndrome thigh contusion. We don’t know yet if he’ll play, but if not, there’s always last game’s unexpected overtime hero, Salah Mejri.

Or we could always just root for a vintage Dirk throwback game. That’d be neat. Honestly, I don’t really have anything to say about anything other than Dirk. tears up

How to watch

Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. CT and the game can be watched on Fox Sports Southwest or NBA League Pass.