The Oklahoma City Thunder were dominant in their first-round series sweep over the Pelicans, and the Dallas Mavericks looked strong but needed six games to vanquish the Clippers. A big storyline going into Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between Oklahoma City and Dallas is whether the lengthy time between games will affect the Thunder.
The easy answer is yes, especially considering how well the Mavericks played closing out their series against the Clippers. The series starts Tuesday in Oklahoma City, with the Thunder hosting the first two games. The Thunder come into the series healthy, but the Mavericks could be without two important role players in Tim Hardaway Jr. (questionable) and Maxi Kleber (out).
Let's take a closer look at the Thunder vs. Mavericks odds and offer up a prediction. Tuesday's game tips-off at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
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Thunder vs. Mavericks series price
Of the four conference semifinal series, the Thunder and Mavericks have the closest odds for each team to win and advance to the conference finals. The best value odds for the Thunder to win the series can be found at DraftKings (-115). You can find the best value odds for the Mavericks to win the series at BetMGM (+100).
Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 1 odds: Spread, total, moneyline
Check out the live odds for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals for the spread, total and moneyline between the Thunder and Mavericks at the best online sportsbooks :
Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 1 prediction
Rust could be a significant factor in Game 1, but Dallas has been playing so well it might not matter. Star backcourt duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 49 points and 16 assists in the Mavericks' Game 5 win over the Clippers. Then the duo closed out the series in Game 6, combining for 58 points and 17 assists.
The Thunder won't get run over, though; after so many days off, it is easy to forget how excellent they were in their first-round sweep over the Pelicans. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 27.3 points, six rebounds and five assists in the playoffs. He has a strong supporting cast behind him: Jalen Williams (21.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG) and Chet Holmgren (15.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.8 BPG) have each produced at a high level.
Dallas could get off to a fast start in Game 1, but Oklahoma City is playing too well to let the game get out of hand. The difference will be Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as their experience as closers should help Dallas win a tight Game 1.
Prediction: Mavericks
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Thunder vs. Mavericks series prediction
Even if the Thunder drop Game 1, they could still win the series. But the Mavericks' veteran star guards are going to be a handful and will make it difficult to close out games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the verge of superstardom, but he needs one more year for the role players around him to keep growing before they are ready to compete for an NBA championship.
Best bet for Thunder vs. Mavericks series: Mavericks -1.5 games
A great futures bet is the Mavs winning the series by 1.5 games at DraftKings (+155). We like Dallas to win the series, and they could be in line to close it out at home in Dallas in Game 6.
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