Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals is set for Friday night between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Dallas came away with a big upset in the series opener, and that will put pressure on Minnesota in this matchup.
The Mavericks have pulled off two big upsets to begin the playoffs, and they are looking for more magic. Dallas has already stolen home court advantage in this series, but they are now looking to take complete control.
Minnesota stunned the Denver Nuggets in the previous round, and that gave them some momentum in this series. The Timberwolves looked tired and worn out from that series, but they will need to bounce back in a hurry.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are 5.5-point betting favorites in Game 2 of this series, and the over/under line is set at 207.5 total points.
Stars Leading Dallas Charge
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 63 points in the win on Wednesday night, and those stars have been playing great. Doncic also chipped in with six rebounds and eight assists, and he seemed to be in control the entire time.
Dallas has been able to get a ton of interior scoring throughout the postseason, and most of that action comes on lobs from the guards. The Mavericks played 10 players in the Game 1 win, and this team has a ton of confidence on offense.
The defense for Dallas has also been terrific throughout the postseason, and that was a big key in taking the series opener from the Timberwolves in Game 1.
Timberwolves Must Make Shots
The Minnesota Timberwolves clearly have a size advantage in this matchup, but that’s not going to be enough to win this game. Minnesota can’t win this game unless Anthony Edwards and the other guards make shots.
Edwards had just 19 points in the Game 1 loss, and he needs to score at least 30 points to make a run in this series. Minnesota did made 18 three-pointers in the series opener, but it took them 49 shots to get that done.
Look for the Timberwolves to be more physical on defense in this game as they have to find a way to slow down Luka Doncic.
Timberwolves Take Control
Dallas made some huge plays in the first game of this series, and they really got the job done on the defensive end. The Mavericks have been a great defensive team this season, but they are going to face a desperate team in this matchup.
Minnesota is going to have to attack Dallas in the paint in this game, and they have enough size to make that happen. The Timberwolves can’t afford to go down 0-2 in this series, and that will have them playing desperate in this game.
Bet on the Minnesota Timberwolves at -5.5 on Friday night as they are able to even up the series in a game that also goes over the 207.5 total points.
