The Golden State Warriors dominated Game 1 as they look to go up 2-0 on the Dallas Mavericks! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Mavericks-Warriors prediction and pick.
The Dallas Mavericks did not show up for Game 1. It's as simple as that. In every way possible, the Warriors dominated that game. The Dubs led 28-18 after the first quarter and from there it was pretty much over. Dallas scored 18 in the first and then 18 in the fourth. Scoring 36 combined points in the two biggest quarters of the game is atrocious. What is even crazier is the Warriors did not shoot the ball well at all, going just 10-29 and shooting 34.5% from beyond the arc. Despite the lack of range, the Warriors took down the Mavs in game 1 with ease.
Here are the Mavericks-Warriors NBA Playoffs odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavericks-Warriors Odds
Dallas Mavericks: +6 (-108)
Golden State Warriors: -6 (-112)
Over: 213.5 (-110)
Under: 213.5 (-110)
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Why The Mavericks Could Cover The Spread
If Dallas wants to cover this spread, the Mavs also need to pick up their 3-point game. The Mavs shot even worse from three in game 1 compared to the Dubs. Dallas shot 11-48 which is 22.9%. 37 missed threes? That can't happen. Luka Doncic ended 3-10, Jalen Brunson went 0-5, and Reggie Bullock also finished 3-10. The good news for the Mavs at this point is that you can't really shoot any worse than that.
Tonight should be a different story. I'm not saying that the Mavs will all of a sudden get hot from beyond the arc, but improving off of a 22.9% three-point percentage isn't tough. Furthermore, with the way Doncic has played this postseason, it's almost expected of him to get the Mavs back on track. Luka must find a way to get his teammates involved because he realistically has zero chance to take them down on his own. You can't expect him to score 40+ every night and win without help.
The Mavericks come into Game 2 as 6-point underdogs as it stands now. This spread is doable to cover, but as I said earlier, it would take a big effort. The Warriors gave it to the Mavericks on Wednesday night and the chances of that happening again is pretty big. Doncic can't let that happen, but what else can he do? The three-point shot has to be there for the Mavs to keep up with the Warriors.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
After winning by 25 in Game 1, betting on the Warriors to win by six here should be an easy decision. The problem is we all know that Doncic played badly and for him to have consecutive bad games is slim. It will be on the Warriors to contain him and to make sure they have pressure on him all night long. Whatever they did in Game 1 worked.
A major reason for the Warriors' success in Game 1, and for the past few games has been none other than Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins is finally starting to find his place with the Warriors and it's showing with his performance. He ended Wednesday night with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists. He defended well and kept Luka in a shoebox all game long. He's been a big reason for their success but hides under the radar because of the Splash Brothers and Draymond Green.
With this team playing great defense as they are, the Dubs might be unstoppable. Steph Curry will continue to lead the team offensively, but every other player is elite on the other side of the floor. I mean, Curry is now a two-way player, right?
In all seriousness, it doesn't matter at this point. We all know what we will get out of Curry each and every game. The same can be said about Luka Doncic, but he has still yet to prove it when it matters. The Western Conference Finals matter, so if Luka is going to make it count, it has to be now.
Final Mavericks-Warriors Prediction & Pick
I have a feeling the Mavericks will make this a closer game than 25 points. I can't, however, see the Mavericks covering this spread. Take the Warriors to cover this spread and to take a 2-0 lead over the Mavs.
Final Mavericks-Warriors Prediction & Pick: Golden State Warriors -6 (-112)
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