Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 3 5/11/24 – In a thrilling NBA West Semifinals clash, the Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting a stellar 57-25 season record, prepare to face off against the Dallas Mavericks, who closed their regular season at 50-32. As the series moves into Game 3 with the Thunder leading 1-0, all eyes will be on this pivotal matchup scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024. The game tips off at 3:30 PM ET at the American Airlines Center, and will be broadcasted live on ABC. Fans unable to catch the game on television can stream the action live via NBA League Pass. For those looking for NBA West Semifinals free picks today, this game presents some intriguing dynamics.
| When: | Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | American Airlines Center |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Regroup for Game 3. pic.twitter.com/Z7kBTu8gz9
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 10, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | +3 -110 | O 217.5 -115 | +140 |  |
| Mavericks | -2.5 -115 | U 219 -110 | -145 | |
| ||||
Currently, the betting lines remain unset, leaving speculators in suspense. However, considering the Thunder’s dominance in recent games and their leading position in this series, they are likely to enter as favorites. Observing the evolving odds will be crucial for those looking to place informed bets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Luka Doncic (PG)
Playing all 75 games of the regular season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of spectacular for the Thunder, averaging an impressive 30.1 points per game. This is because he can easily navigate through crowded spaces in the paint and provide a strong defense that averages nearly a block and 2 steals every game. His performance is crucial to Thunder’s offensive strategies in important encounters like this one.
Conversely, Luka Doncic has been monumental for the Mavericks as he contributes greatly in all areas with an average of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. Doncic’s all-around game play notably his clutch scoring and play making capabilities can swing any game on its head thus posing a serious challenge to Thunder’s defense.
When these two key players clash on the court, expect a battle of both skill and wits. The success or failure of their teams will principally rely on Gilgeous-Alexander’s speed against Doncic’s plays’ thinking and shooting prowess. The flow of the match could be determined by these guys’ individual or team contests while playing at different times.
Thunder’s Tactical Prowess
The Thunder have displayed their amazing offensive capabilities; as they are averaging 120.1 points per game with 49.9% shooting efficiency which is the highest in the league. Further, these players are experts in long-range shooting, making an average of 13.3 three-pointers every match to stretch defenses and draw opponents off balance. They maintain a very good defense characterized by 8.5 steals and 6.6 blocks a night, turning defense into offense. Thus, even if the opponents outscore them in some games, they will still be strong enough for quick transition.
Mavericks’ Strategic Calculations
Even though Dallas trails slightly on scoring (117.9 points per game), they can also make a lot of threes with an average of 14.6 makes per game from arcs; that’s why fans should expect some interesting moments at critical stages of playoff games. Among other things that coach Kidd has to plan before this match is how his side will manage to keep pace hence check fast breaks initiated by the Thunder while minimizing turnovers
Trends
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
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
Injuries
Oklahoma City Thunder
No reported injuries
Dallas Mavericks
Maxi Kleber PF Is out indefinitely, Shoulder
Olivier-Maxence Prosper PF Is “?” Saturday vs Oklahoma City, Ankle
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks Betting Picks
Based on current form and statistical analysis, the Thunder might slightly edge out the Mavericks in this matchup. However, the Mavericks’ strong performance at home and Doncic’s ability to influence the game significantly could balance the scales. For those scouring the best betting websites online, watching the live odds for any movement on the spread and considering an over on the total points might be a prudent strategy, given both teams’ high-scoring nature.
Considering all factors, this game is poised to be a high-scoring affair with both teams having potent offensive weapons. Our prediction leans towards a Thunder win in a close contest.
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Score Prediction: Thunder 118, Mavericks 114.
