Dallas Mavericks (58-36) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (64-29)
May 22, 2024 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Timberwolves -4.5; Over/Under: +206.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves duke it out in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at the Target Center on Wednesday. Here’s a Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are coming to the Western Conference Finals with plenty of confidence after outlasting the Thunder in a six-game series in the second round. Luka Doncic has been leading the way with averages of 27.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game, Kyrie Irving is averaging 21.1 points and 5.4 assists per game, PJ Washington is averaging 14.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while Derrick Jones Jr is averaging 10.8 points and 1.4 blocks per game. As a team, the Mavericks are scoring 106.5 points while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from the 3-point line during these playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have already made plenty of noise as they swept the Suns in the first round before they outlasted the Nuggets in a thrilling seven-game series capped by a 20-point comeback win in Game 7. Anthony Edwards has been leading the way with averages of 28.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 18.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, Jaden McDaniels is averaging 12.4 points per game while Rudy Gobert is averaging 12.2 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. As a team, the Timberwolves are scoring 108.4 points per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from the 3-point line so far in these playoffs.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last nine home games against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Mavericks have lost each of their last eight games as road underdogs against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as road underdogs against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games against Southwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (12.9) this season.
- Mike Conley ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.2%) this season.
Dallas Mavericks Player Facts
- Luka Doncic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (33.9) this season.
- Daniel Gafford ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (72.5%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- 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%).
- 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).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
The Mavericks were an average defensive team during the regular season, but they’ve really turned it on during these playoffs, and that was certainly a major factor in why they are able to upset the Thunder in the previous round. However, the Timberwolves will be brimming with confidence after dismantling the Nuggets, they are the better defensive team and should be able to rely on Anthony Edwards to up his scoring output in this series. The Timberwolves won three of four regular season meetings, and I think they draw first blood with a solid home win in this spot.
