Minnesota Timberwolves (64-31) vs. Dallas Mavericks (60-36)
May 26, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Dallas Mavericks -2.5; Over/Under: +208.5
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The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks collide in a crucial Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals at the American Airlines Center on Sunday. Here’s a Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are getting desperate as they are now hoping to avoid falling into a 3-0 series deficit after falling painfully short to the Mavericks in a 109-108 loss in Game 2 on Friday. Naz Reid drained seven 3-pointers to lead the team with 23 points on eight of 13 shooting off the bench, Anthony Edwards added 21 points with seven assists, Mike Conley scored 18 points while Rudy Gobert chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, the Timberwolves shot just 41 percent from the field and 12 of 31 from the 3-point line as they jumped all over the Mavericks early on to take an 18-point lead, but they started to struggle against the defense of the Mavericks and just couldn’t hold on for the win despite leading by five points with 1:06 left on the clock.
Dallas Mavericks
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks must be brimming with confidence after winning their first two road games of the series to take full control. Luka Doncic led the team with a triple-double of 32 points with 10 rebounds and 13 assists, Kyrie Irving added 20 points with six assists, Daniel Gafford tallied 16 points with five blocks while Dereck Lively chipped in with 14 points off the bench. As a team, the Mavericks shot 48 percent from the field and 12 of 31 from the 3-point line as they struggled to match the Timberwolves early on and fell behind by 18 points, before they rallied in the second half and stole the game on a clutch game-winner from Doncic with just 3.1 seconds remaining.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last six road games against Southwest Division opponents following a loss.
- The Mavericks have lost Game 3 in three of their last four playoff series’ when leading the series 2-0.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in eight of their last nine road games after losing as favorites.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven playoff home games against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Mavericks rank 2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.0).
- The Mavericks rank 2nd in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (39.5).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (106.5).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for opponent field goal percentage this season (45.0%).
Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Timberwolves could be shorthanded for this one with Mike Conley listed as questionable, while the Mavericks are keeping an eye on Luka Doncic who is questionable due to left ankle soreness. The Timberwolves will be kicking themselves after letting Game 2 slip through their fingers, but it’s not like they’re completely out of it, as they have won five of their six road games during these playoffs. The Mavericks were good enough to get the job done despite a banged up Doncic, but with what is at stake, I expect we’re going to see the Timberwolves throw their best punch here. It’s getting harder to back the Timberwolves, but I think their success on the road continues in this spot.
