Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 25/05/2024, 06:46  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The NBA Western Conference Finals heads to the American Airlines Center for Game 3 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks are up 2-0 in the series. 

The Dallas Mavericks won Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves by a score of 109-108. Overcoming an 18-point deficit, the Mavericks secured a commanding 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series. Luka Doncic made the game-winning shot with three seconds left, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. Doncic shot 10/23 from the field and 5/11 from three-point range in 41 minutes. That performance marked his place in NBA history as only the fourth player to record four triple-doubles in a five-game span in the Playoffs. Kyrie Irving, after a slow start, contributed significantly by scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter, bringing his total to 20 points. Historically, teams that win the first two games of a best-of-seven series in the NBA have a 92.5% chance of winning the series.

Meanwhile, it was a brutal end to Game 2 for the Timberwolves, who had controlled the game throughout the first half. Anthony Edwards scored 10 points in the first quarter, helping the Timberwolves build a six-point lead by the end of the quarter. They extended their lead to as much as 18 points during the second quarter. Naz Reid was exceptional for the Timberwolves, scoring a team-high 23 points off the bench and making 7 of his 9 three-point attempts. However, Reid's potential game-winning three-pointer rimmed out, leaving Minnesota facing a 2-0 series deficit heading into Game 3. Anthony Edwards added 21 points and seven assists but struggled with his shooting, going just 5-of-17 from the field. As a team, Minnesota made 41.2% of its field goals, while Dallas shot 48.8%. Both teams were 12-of-31 from three-point range. For Game 3, the Timberwolves will need to find a way to jump-start Edwards' offense and figure out how to contain Doncic's hot streak.