On Thursday night, the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder will face off at Paycom Center in Game 2 of the NBA. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks predictions.
dallas mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks will be looking to bounce back and claim the series after losing 117-95 to the Thunder in Game 1 on Tuesday. Kyrie Irving led the team with 20 points, Luka Doncic added 19 points with six rebounds and nine assists, and Daniel Gafford contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. As a team, the Mavericks shot just 39 percent from the field and just 12-of-35 from the 3-point line and struggled to keep up with the young Thunder early on, scoring 39 points in the second quarter. They allowed a double-digit lead. Things got even worse in the fourth quarter, with the Thunder scoring just 16 points and ending the game on a rampage.
Why the Dallas Mavericks will win
- The Mavericks have won four of their past six games as underdogs after losing to Western Conference opponents.
- The Thunder have lost five of the last six second-round playoff series.
- The Mavericks have covered the spread in each of their past six games as road underdogs after losing on the road.
- After the win, the Thunder failed to cover the spread in three of their last four games in the Western Conference semifinals as favorites.
oklahoma city thunder
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder must be brimming with confidence after defeating the Mavericks in the series opener on Tuesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, Chet Holmgren had 19 points with seven rebounds and three blocks, and Jaylen Williams contributed 18 points and five assists. As a team, the Thunder shot 44 percent from the field and 16-of-35 from the 3-point line, controlling the game with a 39-point outburst in the second quarter and bursting out in front before playing stifling defense. . The Mavericks held on to just six points with 6 minutes and 49 seconds remaining, preserving home court advantage. Luguentz Dort had a quiet game, scoring just seven points on 2-of-9 shooting, while Josh Giddy had just two points.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their past 10 games.
- The Mavericks have lost each of their last eight road games against a Northwest Division opponent with a winning record.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last eight games against the Mavericks following the win.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five road games in the Western Conference semifinals.
total points facts
- The Mavericks have been below the point line in each of their last six games as underdogs.
- Seven of the Thunder's last eight playoff games have been below the point line.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks predictions
The Mavericks were a little worried about Doncic's knee condition, but he reportedly practiced Wednesday and is expected to start, while the Thunder will have the same lineup from Tuesday's blowout win. become. The Mavericks have a chance to win the series if they play the defense that beat the Clippers in the first round. The Mavs also need more bench support and need to keep SGA away from the free throw line. I might be tempted to pick up the Mavericks if I had more free points, but given the current line, I'd rather play for the Thunder to cover with another win at home. prefer.
