Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves retain home-court advantage for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against Dallas Mavericks. Despite playing on the road in Game 1, the Mavericks won 108-105 to take the series lead. In Game 1, the Wolves had the lead with less than four minutes to go, but a spirited 8-0 run by the visitors led to a 3-point victory for the Mavs. The Timberwolves are clear favorites ahead of Game 2 on Friday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Despite what the odds indicate, they must still find a way to contain Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, whose shooting derailed them in Game 1.

Basketball: NBA Playoffs, Western Conference Finals Game 2

Where to Watch: TNT

Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis

Date: 25.05.2024. 03:00

The Timberwolves have their backs against the wall at home in this one. Losing Game 1 despite having a home-court advantage and leading until the last minutes means the pressure will be very high here. Jaden McDaniels led them in Game 1 with a brilliant performance, knocking down 6 of his 9 three-point attempts and finishing with a team-high 24 points. However, their star duo, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, had a disappointing night. They totaled 35 points on a combined 12-of-36 shooting. The Wolves also struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 6-of-25 from the three-point range. One bright spot ahead of Game 2 is retaining home advantage.

Luka Dončić delivered another dominant performance with 33 points, including 15 crucial points in the game's final quarter. While Doncic delivered in clutch time, Kyrie Irving scored 30 points, with a majority coming in the first half. The Mavericks dominated the paint throughout the game, scoring 16-of-17 free throws compared to the Timberwolves' 6-of-10, and outmuscled them inside, outscoring them 62-38 in the paint. Rookie Dereck Lively II grabbed 11 rebounds on a perfect 4-of-4 surprising display. That still notwithstanding, the Mavs were behind with 3:30 on the clock before an 8-0 blitz sealed the game for them.

We had to work really hard to get this one. I think we're known for losing game ones, so we were trying to make a point. But it's only one, and we have three more [wins] to go.

Luka Dončić

The Dallas Mavericks are 2.70 money line underdogs on Bet365, with the Minnesota Timberwolves 1.86 on the (-5.0) spread. 1XBET prices yes for each team to score over 100.5 at 1.7 odds and the under at 2.68. Total over 205.5 is priced at 1.74 on Betway, with the under available at 1.84. Read more.