Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Analysis and Prediction – Dallas Mavericks will host Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 3.
Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Odds
Dallas Mavericks Team News
Dallas Mavericks managed to make a breakthrough in Oklahoma City on Thursday, securing a 119-110 win to tie the series at 1-1. A similar scenario unfolded in the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers, and now they’ll aim to improve further, targeting a 3-1 lead after the series returns to the Paycom Center.
Compared to Game 1, the key difference in Game 2 was the performance of Luka Doncic. The Mavericks’ superstar was much calmer and made more rational decisions on offense, while also hitting shots from long range. His 29 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists on over 50% shooting demonstrate his excellence. Even more impressively, he played almost the entire game through knee pain, showcasing his toughness and skill. P.J. Washington was an X factor with seven made threes, and Josh Green was precise from downtown in important moments. Kyrie Irving took only eight shots but made a significant impact with 11 assists. It’s worth mentioning Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 17 points, his best performance in the last two months, and if head coach Jason Kidd continues to give him significant minutes, he could be a great asset for the Mavericks.
A strong performance from Doncic is undoubtedly crucial for the Dallas Mavericks to shine. This was evident in the first two games played in Oklahoma City. Additionally, the Mavericks must continue to control the boards and avoid turnovers. If they fulfill all these aspects, they’ll be favorites in every game of this series.
Oklahoma City Thunder Team News
After five consecutive wins in this year’s playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder suffered their first defeat on Thursday night. Now they’ll need to make a break in Dallas, as it’s challenging to expect them to win the series if they trail 1-3 after Game 4.
The main reason for the Thunder’s defeat was their poor defense. For the first time in the playoffs, they allowed the opponent to score more than 95 points, and the final outcome didn’t go in their favor. Head coach Mark Daigneault can take comfort in knowing that the Mavericks can’t play much better than they did in Game 2. Doncic was in top form, Irving distributed the ball well, and several Mavericks players shot fantastically from three-point range. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the only one in form for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren missed several three-point attempts, Josh Giddey once again wasn’t a factor, and the team defense faltered. Many aspects can be improved, but they must also be prepared for a much stronger opponent in all the games we’ll see at the American Airlines Center.
Stopping Doncic is almost impossible when he’s in form, but his shooting percentages have been poor throughout the playoffs. The Oklahoma City Thunder must focus on preventing players like Washington, Hardaway and Green from making a difference, as they did in Game 2. If they succeed in that, they’ll have a lot to say in Dallas.
Every day, “Basketball Sphere” provides all its readers with the best predictions for today’s games.
If you are reading our analysis for the first time, then it is important to mention that every day we also offer to our readers a “Acca of the Day” completely free.
Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder H2H
Teams are currently tied at 1-1 in this best-of-seven series. In the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder led 3-1.
Absences and Injuries
Maxi Kleber and Greg Brown are sidelined for the Dallas Mavericks due to injury. Olivier Sarr is out for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
The impression is that the Oklahoma City Thunder have greater depth and can play better team basketball than the Dallas Mavericks at this moment. However, that’s not the only thing that determines the winner at this stage of the season. The experience of the Mavericks and players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving is invaluable. In games like these, significant individual quality can outshine a better team, and that’s what we expect this time. Irving will likely take even more responsibility due to Doncic’s injury problems, and he could lead the Mavericks to a 2-1 in the series with a spectacular performance.
Tip-off Time: Saturday, 11.05.2024, 21:30 CET
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks -2.5
Odds: 1.84
Sportsbook: MyBookie
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
We found the best odds for this game at the popular MyBookie sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today.
Top Betting Offers 2024: