Thunder Rolls on, Face Mavs in West Semis
Oklahoma City Favored Per the Mavericks vs Thunder Lines
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks square off in the Western Conference semifinals, tipping off on Tuesday night. The Mavericks vs Thunder lines have the Thunder at -120 to win the series. The young star-studded team won’t have an easy task against Luka Doncic and the Mavs.
This could be an epic series, which is set to go right to Game 7.
Mavericks vs Thunder 
Records: Dallas Mavericks (54-34), Oklahoma City Thunder (61-25)Â
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Day/Time: Stream: TNT
Mavericks Living up to Expectations
The Mavericks have long been a team that has disappointed its fanbase. But they should be happy following a series win over the Los Angeles Clippers. It was made easier by the injury to Kawhi Leonard and some inconsistent shooting stats from Paul George and James Harden. However, the Mavericks showed good grit and determination.
That’s something we don’t often see from the Mavericks, and they might have turned the corner with the addition of Kyrie Irving. He allows Doncic to have some time off on offense, and it’s working. They have also had a big impact from the bench, and if their bench players score, they could upset the Thunder.
General manager Nico Harrison described their trades as a chance to build over the next three years.
“It wasn’t really about winning right now,” Harrison told ESPN. “It was just about continuing to build it. It’s like every step is, how do we continue to get better? And we’re not built for just right now; we’re built for the next three playoff runs.”
NBA betting odds have the Mavericks at even odds (+100). We believe they are the betting underdogs with Mavericks vs Thunder lines because they’ll need to win on the road at least once.
Oklahoma City is 35-8 at home, so winning at Paycom Center could be tough for the Mavericks.
The Mavs could be knocked out of the NBA playoffs bracket. They deserve to go deeper into the playoffs but beating the Thunder isn’t beyond them. They have the experience edge, and that could have a big impact on this series.
Thunder are Ready to Rumble
We love what the Thunder have achieved and we don’t see them slowing down any time soon. They have the players and the management to be a champion team over the last few years, so long as they don’t make any silly trades. There has been talk of Kevin Durant returning, but they don’t need Durant, who suffered a 4-0 sweep against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey, this team is the future. That’s only three of their best players and we love Jalen Williams also contributing significantly.
Having swept the New Orleans Pelicans, the Thunder are full of confidence. The Pelicans didn’t have Zion Williamson but the Thunder never looked like being beaten following a close Game 1.
The NBA scoreboard showed the Thunder outscoring the Pelicans by 63 points over four games. That’s a one-sided affair. That’s why Mavericks vs Thunder lines have them favored to win.
They’re also a stellar team at home, and getting off to a fast start in Game 1 could set the tone. They won’t want to lose the opening game, so the pressure is on. However, they have shown to handle pressure throughout the season.
Our only worry with the Thunder is being able to contain Doncic and Irving. However, the Thunder’s defense is one of the best in the NBA, and they play team ball. It’s not about individual performances, so they work for each other, and that’s their best quality.
Thunder to Justify Favoritism
As Mavericks vs Thunder lines suggest, it will be a tight series. We’re happy with the -120 line for the Thunder, who get the advantage of home court, and that’s big for this team.
The roster might be packed with inexperienced players, but not having scar tissue is what makes them great. Many of the Mavericks players could have doubts in their heads, like Doncic, which could see them struggle in the big games.
Over 5.5 games is a great bet at -210. It might be a short price, but we can’t see either team winning 4-1, so it’s an excellent addition to your NBA picks.
Mavericks vs Thunder Odds
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