Best in the West Seek 2-0 Lead Over Mavericks
Mavericks vs Thunder Odds
The Oklahoma City Thunder made a statement in Game 1, and they are favored to take a 2-0 lead.
Mavericks vs Thunder odds have the Thunder at -4.5 following a 117-95 win, and it highlighted their strengths.
Dallas Mavericks could bounce back, but much more is needed from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Mavericks vs Thunder 
Location: Paycon Center
Day/Time:
All Too Familiar Story for Mavs
Doncic had 19 points on 6-19 shooting and Irving had 20 points on 7-14 shooting.
It’s an all too familiar story for the Mavericks in the NBA playoffs. The star players go missing when it matters, and they need to turn it around in Game 2.
Going down 2-0 to the Thunder could spell trouble, and it’s a shame because Daniel Gafford had 16 points and P.J. Washington chimed in with 10 points.
That’s usually all the Mavericks need to be competitive, but after scoring just 95 points against an elite Thunder defense, it doesn’t look good.
The NBA playoffs scenarios aren’t good for teams that trail 2-0. That’s where the Mavericks could find themselves, but Mavericks vs Thunder odds are giving them a chance to keep it close.
We thought the line would have been around +6.5 for the Mavericks, who look to be the first team to beat the Thunder at Paycom Center during the NBA playoffs.
The sportsbook has had to adjust NBA Finals odds. The Mavericks were considered a solid chance to make the finals, but after a disastrous opening game, the Thunder are now firming behind the Celtics and Timberwolves.
It’s only Game 2, but desperation is needed from the visitors.
Business as Usual for Thunder
It was all hands on deck for the Thunder, who pulled away in the second half for a convincing opening victory.
They are now 5-0 in the 2024 playoffs, and we expected team ball to beat the Mavericks, and we weren’t wrong.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points as the standout scorer, but Chet Holmgren had 19 points and seven rebounds, Jalen Williams had 18 points, and Jaylin Williams had 11 points off the bench.
Josh Giddy didn’t have much impact with only 17 minutes, and they continue to limit him. However, his brilliant assist play hasn’t been needed for much of the playoffs.
Our NBA predictions have the Thunder meeting the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, and we don’t think they’ll lose a game at home.
The big question is whether they can cover the -4.5 spread with Mavericks vs Thunder odds. Winning by five points in a potential revenge game for the Mavericks isn’t easy, but it’s tough to find negatives with this young and impressive team.
This is what Draymond Green, whose opinion should be taken with a grain of salt, said about the series.
“I actually got Dallas winning this series five, six at best,” Green said. “The reason I have Dallas winning that way is because I just don’t think OKC is big enough for Dallas. Dallas has length.”
We’re unsure what length he’s talking about precisely, but the Thunder have more than enough sizable players to handle the Mavericks.
No Reason to Jump Off
The Thunder have been money throughout the playoffs, so we see no reason to jump off their back.
Scoring 117 points in the opening game is a great sign, and they took their season home record to 36-8. That will be tough for the Mavericks to overcome, especially when their confidence levels drop.
Doncic looks tired, and they need him to be at his brilliant best just to have a chance. Without Doncic scoring over 30 points, the Mavericks have little chance of getting enough offense from the rest of the team.
Lock in the -4.5 line for the Thunder, who could score another big total. The current game total is 219 points, and although only 212 points were scored in the opener, the Mavericks can’t shoot that poorly in consecutive games.
We predict a 116-108 score line, so include the over in your NBA picks.
Mavericks vs Thunder Odds
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