The Dallas Mavericks look to take a commanding lead within the 2024 Western Convention Finals on Friday as they go to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Recreation 2 of their best-of-seven collection. The Mavs outlasted the Wolves 108-105 in Recreation 1 on the highway, and historical past suggests they’ll safe a stronghold on the collection in the event that they head again to Dallas with a 2-0 lead on this 2024 NBA playoffs collection. In NBA historical past, golf equipment with a 2-0 collection lead have gone 414-36, only a 7%-win charge for a membership that pulls a dreaded 2-0 deficit. Mike Conley (calf) is listed as questionable for Minnesota.
Tipoff is about for 8:30 p.m. ET from the Goal Heart in Minneapolis. Minnesota is a 5.5-point favourite, per SportsLine consensus. The over/below for complete factors scored is 207.5 within the newest Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds. Earlier than locking in any Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks in Recreation 2 of the 2024 Western Convention finals, ensure you see the NBA predictions and betting recommendation from the confirmed SportsLine Projection mannequin.
The SportsLine Projection Mannequin simulates each NBA recreation 10,000 occasions and has returned nicely over $10,000 in revenue for $100 gamers on its top-rated NBA picks over the previous five-plus seasons. The mannequin entered the convention finals within the 2024 NBA playoffs on a scorching 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning greater than $2,800. Anybody following the mannequin has seen big returns.
Now, the mannequin has dialed in on Mavs vs. Timberwolves in Recreation 2 of the Western Convention finals and locked in its 2024 NBA playoff predictions. You may go to SportsLine now to see the mannequin’s picks. Listed here are a number of NBA odds and betting traces for Timberwolves vs. Mavs:
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks: Minnesota -5.5
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks over/below complete factors: 207.5
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks cash line: Minnesota -236, Dallas +193
- DAL: The Mavericks are 39-23 towards the unfold when enjoying on equal relaxation as their opponent this season.
- MIN: The Timberwolves are 17-13 ATS when coming off a loss this season.
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Timberwolves can cowl
The Timberwolves ought to have a way of urgency with a view to keep away from a dreaded two-game house sweep to start out the collection. Street groups historically have a letdown after successful Recreation 1 on the highway, and Minnesota must be able to make the most of any indicators of lethargy from Dallas. Regardless, this Timberwolves membership already has proven it might probably overcome adversity, as they did by turning a 2-0 collection lead right into a 3-2 deficit towards the Denver Nuggets however nonetheless successful that second-round collection.
Minnesota’s top-ranked protection gave a good effort, holding the Mavericks to simply 42.7% and 6-of-25 from 3-point vary. However the Mavericks saved a number of possessions alive with second-chance alternatives and completed with a 48-40 rebounding benefit.
The Timberwolves appeared on the verge of blowing open the sport at occasions in each halves, however Irving and Doncic did simply sufficient to maintain Dallas inside hanging distance. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards drew loads of defensive consideration however completed with a strong flooring recreation that included 19 factors, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Ahead Jaden McDaniels had a team-high 24 factors and made Dallas play for leaving him open by hitting six 3-pointers. See which crew to select right here.
Why the Mavericks can cowl
If the Mavericks can discover their contact from past the arc, they may very well be in line for an environment friendly offensive efficiency and provides Minnesota’s protection extra to consider. The truth is, they’re coming off a historic effort by way of successful a recreation regardless of futility from past the arc.
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic bailed out the offense by creating performs by going to the basket with the shot clock dwindling, with Irving having repeated success getting by Edwards along with his first transfer and stepping into the paint. Doncic, who scored 15 of his 33 within the second half, used his signature bulldozer-type strikes to get within the paint and end with quite a lot of off-balance and step-back photographs.
The star tandem offset a chilly effort from the perimeter that noticed Dallas go 6-for-25 from past the arc whereas Minnesota linked on 18-of-49. The 36-point distinction from 3-point vary represented the third-largest hole for a successful crew in an NBA playoff recreation. See which crew to select right here.
The way to make Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks
SportsLine’s mannequin is leaning Over on the whole, projecting 209 mixed factors. The mannequin additionally says one facet of the unfold hits nicely over 50% of the time. You may solely get the mannequin’s decide at SportsLine.
So who wins Recreation 2 of Mavericks vs. Timberwolves, and which facet of the unfold hits nicely over 50% of the time? Go to SportsLine now to see which facet of the unfold to leap on, all from the superior mannequin that has returned greater than $2,800 on its NBA picks this season, and discover out.
