The Dallas Mavericks travel to Paycom Center in Oklahoma City to take on the young Oklahoma City Thunder side in the first game of their Western Conference Semifinal series. No.1 seeded Thunder smashed New Orleans Pelicans 4-0 in their first-round series, while fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks overcame Los Angeles Clippers 4–2. The Thunder have not tasted defeat in the playoffs this season and are favorites in the money line on their home court. The series will be a contest between youth and experience, as the OKC Thunder is the youngest team to win a playoff series. As usual, the Mavericks rely on Luka Dončić, even as his health is a touchy factor.
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Basketball: 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinal Game 1
Where to Watch: TNT
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Date: 08.05.2024 04:30
OKC Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their record-breaking season by sweeping aside the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged over 25 points per game. He delivered clutch performances, including a game-winning shot in Game 1 and a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double in the series clincher. The Thunder's young cast, featuring Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey, played a starring role in securing the franchise's first playoff home win since 2012. This young and energetic Thunder were imperious as they closed the series out on a 22–9 run in the decider.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks will rely on Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving's offensive firepower to overcome the Thunder's stifling defense. The state of Doncic's knee will be a crucial decider of how far the Mavericks will go. The Mavericks ran out 4-2 winners over the Los Angeles Clippers, winning the last two games to close out the series. Luka Dončić battled a sprained knee for most of the series but continued to deliver points, rebounds, and assists, including a triple-double of 35 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists in Game 5.
Betting Odds
The Dallas Mavericks are 2.38 underdogs on Betway, with Oklahoma City Thunder 1.73 on the (-2.5) spread. Over 215 is priced at 1.625 odds on 1XBET, with the under available at 2.25. Luka Dončić scoring over 31.5 points is 1.76 on Bet365, with Jalen Williams priced at 2.05 to point over 20.5. Read more here.
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