The Dallas Mavericks aim to secure a 2-0 series lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 2024 Western Conference Finals move to Dallas after Friday's Game 2 in Minneapolis. Dallas shocked Minnesota with a 108-105 win in Game 1. The Mavericks (50-32), who lost both regular-season games in Minneapolis and three out of four overall, are 5-2 on the road in the 2024 NBA playoffs. The Timberwolves (56-26) are 3-3 at home this postseason. Mike Conley (calf) is questionable for Minnesota.
The game tips off at the Target Center at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Timberwolves have allowed the fourth-fewest points per game this postseason at 100.3, while the Mavericks are fifth with 103.3. Minnesota is a 5.5-point favorite in the latest odds, with the over/under set at 207.5 points. Before making any picks, check out expert Bruce Marshall's predictions.
Marshall is a well-known sports handicapper featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the New York Post, among others. He has a strong track record, entering this game with a 193-141 run, returning over $3,800 for $100 bettors. His insights are valuable for anyone betting on this game.
Marshall has analyzed the Mavericks vs. Timberwolves matchup and made his picks and predictions. You can see his choices at SportsLine. Here are the current NBA odds and betting lines:
Mavericks vs. Timberwolves spread: Minnesota -5.5
Mavericks vs. Timberwolves over/under: 207.5 points
Mavericks vs. Timberwolves money line: Dallas +192, Minnesota -239
Dallas has hit the game total Under in 45 of its last 70 games (+17.50 units)
Minnesota has covered the third-quarter spread in 51 of its last 82 games (+16.25 units)
Why the Timberwolves Can Cover
Power forward Jaden McDaniels is excelling in the postseason, surpassing his regular-season stats. He scored 24 points with four rebounds and three assists in Game 1. He also had 23 points, six rebounds, and two steals in the series-clinching Game 7 win over Denver. In 12 playoff games, he's averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and one steal.
Center Rudy Gobert is averaging a double-double in the playoffs with 12.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and one steal. He posted 12 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in Game 1 against Dallas and has four double-doubles in this year's playoffs.
Why the Mavericks Can Cover
Power forward PJ Washington has three double-doubles this postseason, including 29 points and 11 rebounds in Game 2 against Oklahoma City in the second round. He also had 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 4 of that series and 10 points and 10 rebounds in Game 5. In Game 1 against Minnesota, he scored 13 points with seven rebounds and two blocks. He's averaging 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and one steal in 13 postseason starts.
Small forward Derrick Jones Jr. is also scoring in double figures. He had a playoff-high 22 points in the decisive Game 6 against Oklahoma City and contributed 8 points, four rebounds, and two assists in Game 1 against Minnesota. Against the Timberwolves in the regular season, he averaged 10 points, 7.7 rebounds, two steals, and 1.3 blocks.
How to Make Mavericks vs. Timberwolves Picks
Marshall is leaning towards the Under on the point total and has identified a key X-factor for one side of the spread. To find out which side to back, visit SportsLine.
So, who wins Game 2 of the Mavericks vs. Timberwolves series, and which side of the spread is the best bet? Visit SportsLine to see which side of the Mavericks vs. Timberwolves spread to back, all from an expert who has returned over $3,800 on his NBA picks this season.
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