Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals series featuring the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder is set for Thursday night. It was Oklahoma City that cruised to a blowout win in the series opener and will be looking for a repeat performance.
Dallas is coming into this game searching for answers as they were a mess in the series opener. The Mavericks did get by the LA Clippers in the first round, but things are now more difficult.
Oklahoma City has yet to lose a game so far in the postseason and this team has a ton of confidence. The Thunder are looking to take care of business on their home floor yet again and they were great at home this season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are 5.5 point betting favorites over the Dallas Mavericks, and the over/under is set at 218.5 total points.
Dallas Needs to Defend
The Dallas Mavericks held the Los Angeles Clippers to less than 100 points per game in that series, but they didn’t have as much success in Game 1 of this series. Dallas is a team that typically wins games by scoring points, but they will want to show down the action in this game.
The Mavericks were a mess on the offensive end of the floor in Game 1 as well, and Luka Doncic really struggled. Doncic had just 19 points in that loss and he continues to shoot poorly in the playoffs.
Other players in this team are going to need to step up their play as well, but it’s all going to start with Doncic and his scoring ability.
Thunder Rolling Over Opponents
This Oklahoma City Thunder team was not supposed to be this good in 2024, but a number of players have really stepped up. Not only do the Thunder have the ability to score with anyone, but they are a great defensive team as well.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is scoring over 30 points per game this season, and he sets the tone for this team. Chet Holmgren is a doihke double machine as well, and he should have a ton of success in this game.
Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking to push the pace in the game and they will also try to go for the kill early in this one.
Thunder Roll Again
This series is not going to end in another sweep for the Thunder, but they are clearly the better team. Oklahoma City will have a huge crowd behind them and that will be worth some points.
Luka Doncic is going to respond in this game as he is simply too good of a player to struggle. Dallas will just have a tough time getting stops against the Thunder, and that will likely be the difference in this matchup.
Bet the Oklahoma City Thunder-5.5 on Thursday night as they are able to take a 2-0 series lead with another impressive victory.
