The Dallas Mavericks will attempt to go up 2-0 before heading home as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals at the Target Center. We're here to share our NBA odds series, make a Mavericks-Timberwolves Game 2 prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.

The Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves 108-105 in Game 1 to go up 1-0. Now, they have a chance to take a commanding lead home. The Wolves had a one-point lead when P.J. Washington hit a three-pointer with 1:56 left to put the Mavs up by two points. Then, Karl-Anthony Towns got called for goaltending before Dereck Lively II got called for traveling.

Lula Doncic then stole the ball from Mike Conley and hit a jumper to put the Mavs up 106-102. Later, Towns missed a three-pointer with 38 seconds and then another with 14. But Naz Reid hit a layup with 11 seconds left to cut the deficit to 106-104. Next, Kyrie Irving hit both free throws to put the Mavs up by four. Mike Conley missed two of three free throws, and the Wolves could not grab the rebound to fall just short.

Here are the NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavericks-Timberwolves Game 2 Odds

Dallas Mavericks: +5 (-106)

Moneyline: +176

Minnesota Timberwolves: -5 (-114)

Moneyline: -210

Over: 207.5 (-112)

Under: 207.5 (-108)

How to Watch Mavericks vs. Timberwolves Game 2

Time: 8:35 PM ET/5:35 PM PT

TV: TNT, truTV

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Mavericks Could Cover The Spread/Win

The Mavericks shot the ball efficiently. Overall, they shot 49.4 percent from the floor. Dallas also hit 94.1 percent of its free throws (16 of 17). Additionally, they won the board battle 48-40. The Mavs also blocked eight shots on defense to help their cause. Moreover, their defense held Minnesota to 42.7 percent shooting.

Doncic went off again. Amazingly, he finished with 33 points to lead the Mavericks to their big road win. Irving also did well, generating 30 points while shooting 12 for 23. Thus, he was able to help Dallas gain the upper hand. Washington's shot proved to be the game-winning conversion. Overall, he finished with 13 points.

Derrick Jones Jr. was relatively quiet. Ultimately, he finished with eight points. Look for him to try and bounce back and do more in Game 2. Meanwhile, Daniel Gafford finished with 10 points.

But the best part of this game was the Wolves' ability to shut down Towns and Anthony Edwards. They also did a great job of shutting down Rudy Gobert. When those three go off, the Wolves are challenging to beat. Because Dallas contained them, it was slightly easier to win this game.

The Mavericks will cover the spread if they can continue to generate some good shooting chances and control the tempo. Then, they must contain Edwards, Towns, and Gobert and win the boards.

Why The Timberwolves Could Cover The Spread/Win

The Wolves shot the ball poorly. Unfortunately, they hit only 42.7 percent of their shots, including 36.7 percent from beyond the arc. Minnesota also hit only 61.1 percent of its free throws. Also, they blocked only three shots on defense while allowing the Mavs to shoot the ball well.

Edwards did not have an explosive game. Overall, he finished with 19 points while shooting 6 for 16, including 5 for 12 from the triples, and grabbing 11 rebounds. While these numbers were not bad, they clearly were not enough to lead the Wolves in this showdown. Therefore, Minnesota needs more from him.

Towns finished with 16 points. However, he also finished 2 for 9 from the three-point line, with his inability to hit from downtown preventing the Wolves from going ahead late in the game. Gobert finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. Unfortunately, it was just not enough, and he needs to do more on the boards.

Conley finished with six points while shooting 2 for 7, including 1 for 6 from the triples. Unfortunately, it was a tough night for him, and he needs to do more to help prevent Minnesota from falling into a hole. Reid had a good game. Significantly, he had 15 points while shooting 5 for 9.

Minnesota just shot the ball poorly all night. Seemingly, they always seem to fall into these ruts. Throughout the playoffs, they have had games like this and always bounced back.

The Timberwolves will cover the spread if they can find better shots to spread all over the court. Then, they need to win the board battle.

Final Mavericks-Timberwolves Game 2 Prediction & Pick

The Mavericks heard all the predictions and knew they had to make a statement. Yet, as we have seen in these playoffs, this series has only just begun. Expect the Timberwolves to bounce back in a significant way. Ultimately, Minnesota realizes they cannot fall into a 0-2 hole. While they were able to win three games on the road against the Denver Nuggets, it would not be a good habit to practice. The Wolves need to take care of business at home, and they will, while covering the spread.

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Final Mavericks-Timberwolves Game 2 Prediction & Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves: -5 (-114)