Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 5/9/24 – As the Dallas Mavericks (50-32) prepare to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) in Game 2 of the NBA West Semifinals, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Set to take place on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 9:30 PM ET at the Paycom Center, this matchup promises intense competition, with ESPN broadcasting the live action. Fans can also catch the game via NBA League Pass. With the Thunder leading the series 1-0, the Mavericks are under pressure to level the score, making this one of the NBA West Semifinals latest picks not to miss.
| When: | Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 9:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Paycom Center |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
📸📸📸#OneForDallas // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/HdetElGRAB
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 8, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mavericks | +5 -110 | O 218.5 -110 | +175 |  |
| Thunder | -4.5 -115 | U 218.5 -105 | -200 | |
| ||||
With the betting odds yet to be announced, both teams present intriguing opportunities. The Mavericks, despite their lower seed, have consistently shown they can cover the spread, especially on the road. The Thunder, meanwhile, have been formidable at home, making this a potentially close contest.
Luka Doncic (PG) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG)
Luka Doncic has played through 70 games for the Dallas Mavericks without a fault, posting the stat of 33 points per game. 9 points and 9. 8 assists per game. And it is not only the midfield but the forward line as well where he shows his skills in the control of the game and scores profusely, and thus, he is the central figure of Dallas’ gameplay. While his turnovers of the Ball may be a concern, that he has been averaging 4 per game becomes an issue against a very aggressive defense of the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Thunder team also showed great performance in as many as 75 games, averaging 30.1 points. As demonstrated by his average of 2 steals per game and his versatility in defensive plays, Shai has not only a high rate of efficiency but also is a multifaceted threat to the Mavs. His agility and likelihood of penetration to the lane would very likely confuse the Dallas defense, less consistent than it is.
When these two guys, who are considered NBA’s top point guards, turn to take on each other on the court, it is like having a battle of two wizards. Both can do this by their ability to make a turn around in the game without a thought about their playmaking and scoring. This clash will most probably be determined by which player succeeds in pushing his play style and suppresses his adversary’s turnovers and pressure defense.
Offensive Powerhouses: Mavericks’ Arsenal
The Mavericks have demonstrated by this season’s statistics that they can really hit the target with an average of 117.9 pts per game with a large share of their shots coming from the 3-point line. 9% of total shots are three-pointers coming from Doncic and Hardaway, Jr, meaning they’re dangerous from long range as well. This tactic will be a very important part of the strategy of overloading the Thunder defensive and thus getting scoring opportunities.
Thunder’s Defensive Prowess
On the other side, the scoring is the area where the Thunder has shown their brilliance, averaging 120.1 points per game. They allow their opponents only 1 point per game, with their defensive statistics being equally marvelous. Averaging 8.5 steals and 6.6 blocks/game represent strong defense preparation for the Mavericks’ possessions that feature more three-pointers. With Gilgeous-Alexander spearheading from the front the Thunder’s offense could morph into a perennial high-speed attack.
Trends
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
Mavericks are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Dallas Mavericks are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Mavericks are 27-14 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Mavericks’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 16 of Mavericks’ 41 last games at home
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Thunder are 5-0 in their last 5 games.
Oklahoma Thunder are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread
Thunder are 19-21 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Thunder’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 19 of Thunder’ 41 last games at home
Injuries
Dallas Mavericks
Maxi Kleber PF Is out indefinitely, Shoulder
Olivier-Maxence Prosper PF Is “?” Thursday vs Oklahoma City, Ankle
Oklahoma City Thunder
No reported injuries
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ recent form and the critical nature of this playoff game, the betting decision could tilt towards the Thunder due to their consistent performance and home advantage. However, Dallas’ strong away record against the spread suggests they are capable of an upset.
For bettors, watching the evolving odds and considering prop bets on key players like Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander could offer value. The over/under could be another area to explore, especially with both teams tending to score high. Keep an eye on updates from premier betting websites for the latest insights. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Thunder 114, Mavericks 109.
