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Mavericks Tipped to Pound Thunder, Claim Western Conference Semifinal
The Dallas Mavericks only need to win at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday to make the Western Conference finals.
It didn’t look likely after losing Game 4 at home, but they bounced back to take control of the series.
NBA betting odds have the Mavericks at -3½ in Game 6, and the line could be too good to pass up. Check out the latest NBA betting odds.
Here’s a look at some NBA odds to consider!
Thunder vs Mavericks Game Information
- Game: Thunder vs Mavericks
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Day Game: Saturday, May 18
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- Thunder vs Mavericks Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Thunder vs Mavericks Odds and Spreads
Thunder vs Mavericks Betting Trends
- The Thunder are 35-25-1 ATS in conference games.
- The Thunder are 5-4 ATS in the playoffs.
- The Mavericks are 38-20 ATS as the favorite.
- The Mavericks are 7-4 ATS in the playoffs.
- The under is 35-21 following a Mavericks win.
Stay ahead in the game with unbeatable NBA game odds and NBA lines.
Desperate Times for Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder had their chance to take the series by the scruff of the neck, but the stars came up short in Game 5.
They now have to win Game 6 to extend the series, and we’re putting the pressure on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force for the Thunder in this series, but Wednesday night proved to be a tough outing for him.
As a one on one (iso) defender in these playoffs, Luka Doncic is now holding his opponents to just 0.74ppp, and allowing them just 34.2FG%
Shai Gilgeous Alexander learned the hard way, last night, when he ran into the “Brick Wall from the Balkans”!! 💪🏼💪🏼
Dominated on one leg!!! pic.twitter.com/iKZ7V9rQu4
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) May 17, 2024
Despite his All-Star status, Gilgeous-Alexander struggled when they needed him most, and it showed in the Thunder’s performance. Yet, there’s still a chance for him to bounce back in Game 6 and push the Mavericks to a decisive Game 7 on their home court.
It’s not all on Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoulders, though. The Oklahoma City Thunder need more from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. While Holmgren has had some impressive moments, the Rookie of the Year runner-up hasn’t consistently delivered.
The team’s inexperience is becoming apparent against the seasoned Mavericks, and covering the +3½ spread could be a challenge. That line is shorter than we expected, which we thought would be around the +5½ mark.
On the back of the Game 5 defeat, it’s hard to see the Thunder picking themselves off the canvas, but their youth works for him in that situation.
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Doncic Turns Up and Dominates
Luka Doncic finally turned up in the series, and he did so in a big way.
His performance in Game 5 was incredible, and he could lead the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals.
“I’m just trying to play basketball, just focus on basketball,” Doncic said. “Sometimes I forget this is the thing I love, the thing I do. My mental focus was just go out there and play basketball with a smile on my face and just go.”
The Mavericks have finally hit their stride in the playoffs, and their time to shine is now.
After a crucial road win to secure a 3-2 series lead, they have the upper hand heading into Game 6 on their home court.
Their NBA title odds have improved significantly, and if they can get past the Thunder, they’ll face either the Nuggets or Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.
But first, they need to close out the series against the Thunder as -170 favorites. Their recent 104-92 victory was a demonstration of good defense, and their offense also caught fire.
They haven’t lost a game when scoring more than 100 points, which is the key to their success.
Mavericks to Wrap It Up and Cover
We are confident of the Dallas Mavericks covering the spread, which is shorter than we expected.
We would have been prepared to back the home team at a much higher line, so we’re jumping on the current line while it lasts.
After their Game 5 win, the Mavericks hold the momentum, and Doncic’s confidence is soaring. These are key factors for NBA betting odds, and Dallas has shown they can be the better team throughout the series.
Take the -110 for Mavericks -3½. It’s one of the better lines so far throughout the NBA playoffs.
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Questions of the Day
Who is the favorite in Game 6 of the Thunder-Mavericks series?
The Dallas Mavericks are -170 favorites to win Game 6 and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Who has been the best player in the Thunder-Mavericks series?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been huge for the Thunder, and has been the standout player in the series.
