Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) vs. Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
As the NBA West Semifinals heat up, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks gear up for a pivotal Game 3 at the American Airlines Center this Saturday. Leading the series 1-0, the Thunder aim to consolidate their advantage away from home. With both teams boasting impressive regular season records, this matchup is a significant highlight for fans and bettors, making it a hot topic on top online betting platforms.
The Thunder’s offensive acumen has been the main factor of their success this season, with their average being 120.3 points per game for a total of 49.9% shooting efficiency from the field. They have been especially good three-point shooters, shooting around 13.3 three-pointers per game at a 38.9% clip. Their balanced offense is also complemented by strong defensive play which can be seen from averaging 8.5 steals and 6. 6 blocks per game. Even while they regularly surrender turnovers (11.8 per game), their fast-paced scoring more than compensates for them.
The Warriors have not been too far, scoring an average of 117.9 points per game and a strong 48.1% field goal percentage. They prop up the Thunder in three-point shots made per game by an average of 14.6, but with a slightly lower percentage from three-pointers (36.9 percent), and similar performance in rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, claiming 9.7 offensive rebounds per game. Nevertheless, their free throw percentage is 75.8% upside, which could be decisive in key situations.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks Game Info
| When: | Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | American Airlines Center |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Luka Doncic (PG)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the Thunder’s top performer, taking over and racking up 30.1 point per game and as a whole with 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists. With his ability to steal the ball twice per game, he also creates a significant difference in the Thunder’s defense. However, his 2.2 turnovers per game is a red flag against a dangerous Mavericks defense.
On the other hand, Dallas has become the home of an exceptional player, Luka Doncic, who is averaging 33. 9 points, 9. 2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. With his height and rebounding ability, he becomes a tougher matchup, however, he averages 4 turnovers per game and might be taken advantage of on Oklahoma’s defense.
When the two guards compete against each other it is a fight between agility and power, the precision and swiftness, the speed and the adaptability. They both are capable of changing the game dramatically, but their faceoff could determine the dynamics and flow of the game, thus it must be closely followed.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With betting odds yet to be determined, insights from recent performances and head-to-head statistics will be crucial. Both teams have shown tendencies to push the score over in recent games, suggesting that the over might be a favorable bet, depending on the final set total.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
The Thunder have been amazing for the latter part of the season, winning their last five games outright and covering the spread in four of those wins. As for their performance against the spread bet at home (21-19), it could be that they could break the mold with their current form.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
Riding high the Mavericks are 27-14 ATS in away games. Even though they are 3-2 in their last 5 games both outright and against the spread, they are going to have to exploit their home advantage to the fullest in order to neutralize the Thunder’s current form.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks 5/11/24 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ scoring abilities and recent trends, a high-scoring affair seems likely. The Thunder’s offensive edge and recent form might give them the slight upper hand in this contest. For NBA Semifinals betting picks, considering the momentum and the critical role of key players, leaning towards the Thunder might be prudent, especially if the spread is reasonable.
