Warriors Bigger Faves for Game 2
After outclassing the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1, the Golden Warriors enter Game 2 of the Western Conference finals as even bigger favorites per their NBA betting lines. The Warriors remain undefeated at the Chase Center (7-0) in the playoffs and have now covered three of their last four games here. The Mavericks won’t roll over so easily but Golden State should be ready on Friday night.
Let’s check the latest NBA picks, stats, injury reports, and NBA odds for Mavericks vs Warriors. We’ve plenty of NBA playoffs odds for you to consider.
How Will Doncic, Mavericks Respond?
Things quickly went from bad to worse for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in Wednesday’s 112-87 loss. The team had its worst game of the NBA playoffs,, shooting just 36 percent from the field and committing 13 turnovers to just 14 assists. The Mavericks fell behind in the first quarter after making just 7 of 26 field goals and things only got uglier.
Doncic was shut down in the second half as he made just one field goal (1 of 6) while committing six turnovers. The smirking assassin from Game 7 against Phoenix was nowhere to be found as the Slovenian appeared hesitant and, at times, cautious to a fault.
Dallas finds itself in a similar position. The team also appeared outmatched against Phoenix as it dropped its first two games on the road. In fact, the Mavericks are 0-3 in Game 1 this postseason. They are 3-1 following a loss, though having to claw their way out of another 0-2 series hole is daunting. But, perhaps that is what Doncic needs: extra motivation.
Warriors Should Continue Rolling
One does not simply win an NBA championship and then follow it up with a record-breaking 73-win season. This is the Golden State Warriors, the greatest basketball team of the 21st century. On Wednesday, Golden State gave Dallas a glimpse of what awaited it as it shut down the hottest player of the playoffs.
Golden State boasts the NBA’s best defense at home. This is a team that allows the lowest field goal percentage and the second-fewest points. The Warriors limited Utah, Phoenix, and Memphis (twice), three of the NBA’s five-best offenses, to under 100 points.
Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green have done a tremendous job shutting Doncic and the Mavericks’ shooters down. Wiggins forced Doncic to commit three turnovers to just one assist while Dallas missed all eight 3-point attempts when he was on the floor. As they say, defense wins championships.
Mavericks vs Warriors Head-to-Head
Despite the lopsided victory, the Golden State Warriors still find themselves behind the Dallas Mavericks when it comes to recent meetings. Dallas has won seven of their last 10 meetings, including three of their five this season. However, all three of Golden State’s wins have been blowouts.
Mavericks vs Warriors Game Information
- Game: Mavericks (52-30) vs Warriors (53-39)
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco
- Day/Time: Friday, 9 p.m. ET
- Mavericks vs Warriors Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Mavericks vs Warriors Betting Lines
Mavericks vs Warriors Prediction
Bet online on the Golden State Warriors to continue making life hard for Doncic and his Dallas Mavericks. The question becomes if it’s better to take Golden State straight up at -260 or to lay the 6½ on the spread. Golden State is just 2-6 against the spread (ATS) when hosting Dallas and just 3-6 ATS in its last nine games.
However, the Warriors have a 58.1 percent cover rate (25-18-2) when lined as a home favorite, which is the fifth-best among Western Conference teams this season. Expect a better effort from the Mavericks, but don’t stray from the Warriors in the sportsbook.
Pick: Golden State Warriors -6½
