The Suns were great in the bubble to finish last season. But I don't consider them a better team than the Mavericks. 
Dallas is a very strong road club. The Mavericks won 23 of 37 away games last season. 
The Mavericks have the superior coach in Rick Carlisle, have better continuity and a deeper roster. This is the Suns' first game with new point guard Chris Paul, and he's not at 100 percent due to an ankle injury. The Suns also won't have injured Dario Saric.