Dallas Mavericks (50-32) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26)
The Western Conference Finals heats up with Game 2 as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves this Friday, May 24, 2024. The Mavericks, coming off a solid regular season, look to bounce back after a mixed start to the playoffs. The Timberwolves hold the home court advantage at Target Center, boasting a stronger regular-season record. This high-stakes matchup promises to be a crucial one for both teams vying for a spot in the NBA Finals. For those looking for free NBA Western Finals picks, this game presents a lot of intriguing elements to consider.
The Dallas Mavericks have been a formidable team this season especially in the matter of offense as they have an average of 117.9 points. The team’s playmaking ability has been strongly based on their shooting ability with executing a 48.1% field goal shooting average and three-point shooting hits an average of 14.6 three-point field goals each game. While they have done a great job in defense, they have not been very regular on this, which may become a plus for a team like the Timberwolves doing a great job in pressure defense.
At the same time, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been somewhat more constant in the offense and defense ratios. They average 113 points per game, 48.5% field goal percentage though they have attempted fewer three-point shots, instead have concentrated on general shooting and border per game of 43.6. Their defensive categories are somewhat stronger in steals and blocks suggesting that they would pose a nuisance on defense against the Mavericks.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game Info
| When: | Friday, May 24, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Target Center |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Luka Doncic (PG) vs. Anthony Edwards (SG)
Luka Doncic has certainly been the star for the Mavericks scoring an average of 33.9 points per night and being close to a double-double with 9.8 assists. The efficiency and proper timing of the Mavs’ offense mostly falls on him; this is because he owns the floor and hits his shots when it counts. Still, his 4 turnovers per game may be an issue against a team such as the Timberwolves because the latter thrive off opposing teams’ turnovers.
Timberwolves’ shooting guard Anthony Edwards has been excellent this season scoring 25.9 points per game and has less assists and rebounds than Doncic. One will wonder how Free Edwards will unlock the defense of the Mavericks that has some of the best strategies used in the NBA. His lower turnover rate also implies a possible better conduct during fierce confrontation situations.
When these two key players are involved in the match, the result may get affected depending on the performance of the two. Thus, Doncic’s versatility and a capacity to lead teammates are valuable characteristics for the Mavericks, as well as Edwards’ scoring and defense plays for the Timberwolves. This battle may bring entertaining and flashy actions and critical thinking that can affect the squad’s result and even the game’s result.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be determined, it will be crucial to monitor the markets as game day approaches. The odds will reflect not only the teams’ current forms but also the strategies expected to be employed by both sides.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
The Mavericks have also been fairly good when it comes to Spread Betting and their travel, they stand at 27-14. But in recent occasions, they have been performing at a 3/2 in outright and against the spread. Some of their recent games the total has gone OVER, meaning the recent games have been high scoring games, and this may very well be true for this game as well.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
After a few good games, the Timberwolves’ SU record has been disappointing, especially ATS, where they sit at 1-4 in the space of their L5 games. This trend implies that they are only winning games, but they haven’t been doing so in style or have been pushing past the spread limits by large margins necessary for the bookies who bet on them. Their games have also been characterized by many goals, thus the total has gone OVER in four of the last five games.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 5/24/24 Betting Picks
Considering the strengths and recent performances of both teams, this game could tilt in favor of the Timberwolves due to their home advantage and slightly better defensive metrics. However, the Mavericks’ potent offense led by Doncic cannot be underestimated, especially if they can control the turnovers and capitalize on their three-point shooting.
For those looking at prop bets, considering an OVER on the total points could be wise, given both teams’ tendencies. Additionally, looking at performance bets on key players like Doncic and Edwards could also offer value, given their crucial roles in their respective teams. For those seeking options in top online casinos, exploring live betting during the game when player performance trends become apparent could be particularly engaging.
