Mavericks vs. Thunder: Predictions, picks, odds, how to watch Western Conference semifinal
Tonight features the first game of a seven-game series between a franchise haunted by their inability to win a ring and a player haunted by his inability to win a ring.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have had numerous remarkable teams despite their brief history. However, they have zero rings to show for it. This year though, the team earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the first time in over a decade. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are not a team to be slept on.
Still, the Dallas Mavericks have an MVP candidate of their own -- someone who can take control of any game and can single-handedly win a playoff series if teams let him. Luka Doncic put on a show in the opening round against the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged just under 30 points a game and accomplished that feat all without shooting up to his efficiency standards. The Mavericks will need Doncic to be at his absolute best if the team wants any hope of reaching their second Western Conference Finals in three years.
Here's everything to know about this Western Conference semifinal matchup.
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Predictions:
Justin Martinez, Yahoo Sports: Thunder in 7
Martinez writes, "Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are lethal on offense, and Dallas' defense has improved significantly since it added Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline. Still, I'm giving OKC the edge."
Michael Arinze, NY Post: Series will go at least six games
Arinze writes, "This matchup has a solid chance to go the distance, making it worthwhile to swallow the -180 juice and play the series over 5.5 games. Unfortunately, since neither team is an overwhelming favorite, you won’t find great odds in this series compared to other second-round matchups."
Mike Curtis, Dallas News: Mavericks in 7
Curtis writes, "The Mavericks will face a fully healthy and fully rested Thunder team in what will be billed as a battle of MVP candidates. Dallas will surely have its hands full with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City took advantage of a shorthanded Pelicans team, but it remains to be seen if the rest of his supporting cast will be able to contain the potent offensive duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. And if Dallas’ defense holds up, they’ll have a good chance to advance to the Western Conference finals."
Mavericks vs. Thunder, Game 1 odds, lines:
The Oklahoma City Thunder are slight favorites to defeat the Dallas Mavericks in Tuesday's Game 1 matchup, according to the BetMGM NBA odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.
Odds as of Monday evening.
Spread: Thunder (-3.5)
Moneyline: Thunder (-160); Mavericks (+135)
Over/Under: 216.5
How to watch Mavs vs. Thunder, Game 1:
When: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT
TV: TNT
Stream: Fubo TV
Watch the game: Stream the NBA Playoffs with a Fubo subscription
Mavs vs. Thunder series schedule:
Game 1: Tuesday at Oklahoma City - 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 2: Thursday at Oklahoma City - Time TBD, ESPN
Game 3: May 11 at Dallas - 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 4: May 13 at Dallas - Time TBD, TNT
Game 5 (if necessary): May 15 at Oklahoma City - Time TBD, TNT
Game 6 (if necessary): May 18 at Dallas - 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 7 (if necessary): May 20 at Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mavericks vs. Thunder: Predictions and odds for Game 1
