The Western Conference Finals is expected to be a competitive series as the Dallas Mavericks prepare to battle the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota is the favorite in the series, but Dallas is confident nonetheless.
The Mavericks-Timberwolves clash will feature a combination of elite star-power and intriguing roster depth on both sides. Neither team will back down either.
Without further ado, here are four bold Mavericks predictions for the Western Conference Finals.
Mavericks' defense matches Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are known for their stellar defense. In fact, Minnesota featured the best defensive rating in the NBA during the regular season, per NBA.com.
The Mavericks were 18th in defensive rating. They endured struggles on that end of the floor to begin the 2023-24 campaign. After acquiring PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford, however, the Mavs' defense turned a corner.
After the All-Star break, the Mavericks featured one of the better all-around defenses in the league. It was incredibly impactful in the team's success.
A significant number of experts have selected the Timberwolves to win this series, and defense likely played a role in their decision. However, the Mavericks' defense is capable of keeping up with the Timberwolves.
Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are both able to protect the rim. PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. can guard multiple positions at a high level. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have played hard on the defensive end of the floor, adding extra pressure for opponents.
The Mavericks' willingness to play hard and cause havoc is crucial. Josh Green is another player who constantly hustles and can make game-changing plays on the defensive end of the floor.
Again, the Timberwolves' defense is quite impressive. Still, the Mavericks' defense should not be overlooked.
Kyrie Irving finds his offensive groove
Kyrie Irving displayed his respectable leadership ability against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Although, he averaged just 15.7 points per game, a mark that is quite low for a player of his caliber.
Irving tends to play his best basketball in clutch moments. The reality is that every moment is of the utmost importance in a Western Conference Finals series, something Irving certainly understands.
He will likely average at least 20 points per game and probably even more against the Timberwolves. It is difficult to imagine him scoring 12 points or less in three games, which is something that occurred against the Thunder, for a second consecutive series.
The Timberwolves' defense is going to be prepared to focus on Luka Doncic. They will be ready for Kyrie as well, but look for Irving to have a bounce-back offensive performance against Minnesota.
Luka Doncic has all-around great series
Doncic's injury concerns led to some forgettable performances in the Thunder series. He still recorded impressive numbers against the Thunder, but Luka knows that he is capable of more.
As long as injuries do not negatively impact his performance, Doncic will have a big series along with Irving.
Doncic is arguably the best player in this series. Anthony Edwards may have something to say about that, though. Depth is pivotal and other stars like Kyrie Irving and Karl-Anthony Towns will need to step up. But the performances of Doncic and Edwards will go a long way towards determining which team emerges victorious.
And Luka Doncic seems to love challenges like that. Doncic will need to play at an elite level in order for the Mavericks to upset the Timberwolves.
Mavs win in six games
Dallas has won each of their 2024 playoff series in six games up to this point, so why should that change in the Western Conference Finals?
It is tempting to predict a seven-game series. However, Minnesota will find themselves in an excellent position to clinch an NBA Finals appearance if this series goes seven games. A Game 7 back in Minnesota would be far from ideal for the Mavs.
Dallas would obviously love to sweep Minnesota, but the odds of that happening are slim. The best chance for the Mavericks to realistically win the series will be by taking care of business in six games. That way, they could close the series out in front of their home fans.
Could the Mavericks win a potential Game 7 in Minnesota? Sure, it is possible. But I think the Mavs will earn a Western Conference Finals victory in six games over the Timberwolves.
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