It’s Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and the Mavericks are set to face the Warriors. Dallas, fresh off of their series win over the Phoenix Suns, didn’t get much rest in between games.
They’ll hope that their tough defense can limit the Warriors’ offense tonight. However, they’ll need much more help from their offense, including their bench players, to win this game.
The Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies within six games. They’ve had a bit more time to rest but will still be without Gary Payton II. Offense has always been the focal point for Golden State.
However, during this series, they’ll need to find ways to protect the basket from Luka Doncic. Let’s take a look at each team and see which of them is the better bet tonight. This will be in our Computer Picks for NBA and Same game parlay.
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors Preview
With Luka Doncic and the Mavericks’ defense, they’re in good shape for this series. However, the question is, will their defense be good enough to stop the Warriors? Golden State averages 111.38 points per game, ranking 14th in the NBA.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, rank 25th overall, averaging 107.62. With such a low-scoring offense, the Mavericks could be in trouble.
The Warriors still have to worry about Doncic and the Mavericks, though. Through their last two games against the Suns, the Mavericks put up 113 and 123 points.
A player besides Doncic that the Warriors should pay close attention to is Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie averaged 20.5 points against the Warriors and 13.7 points through the season.
Against the Spread: Golden State Warriors -5
This is a tough bet because the spread is slightly larger than we would like it to be. However, with the Warriors at home and their ability to score, we have to take it.
The Mavericks could keep this game close to start it out, but we think the Warriors will open a gap. They’re the fourth-best shooting team from the three-point line in the NBA; we think they should cover.
The Total: OVER 214.5
Another interesting choice as the Mavericks is notorious for going under the spread. However, the Golden State Warriors are known for the opposite. When you look at the last three games between these teams, you’ll notice the over has hit twice.
It would seem that although the Mavericks’ defense is tough, the Warriors’ offense is tougher. Take the over in tonight’s game.
To Score 15+ Points: Spencer Dinwiddie (+215)
We actually like this pick a lot considering what Dinwiddie has done this season. In two games versus Golden State, Dinwiddie averaged 20.5 points. This is usually because he’s coming in off the bench and could easily be a starter.
The matchups for him are perfect today, especially to score just 15 points. Against the Phoenix Suns in Game 7, Dinwiddie put up 30 points.
Win Margin: Golden State Warriors 1-10 (+170)
As we mentioned, the Warriors should cover the five-point spread tonight. Still, we don’t see them beating the Warriors by more than ten points. Adding this win margin pick also gets you another +170 at the sportsbook.