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The Mavericks and Timberwolves face off for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday night (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT, Sling). Sporting News' betting team has identified some high-value wagers for you to capitalize on.
Minnesota established early control of Game 1, winning the first quarter by six points. But Dallas consistently chipped away at the lead, winning each of the next three quarters and ultimately winning 108-105. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were spectacular, and the Mavs' defense continues to impress.
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Do the Wolves have an answer for Luka?
Can the Wolves bounce back and deliver a victory in a must-win situation? Or, will the Mavericks take a commanding 2-0 lead back to Dallas?
Let's get to the top BetMGM value bets for Game 2 of the Wolves vs. Mavs series, including the best spread, over/under, and player prop wagers.
Best NBA playoff odds and picks: Top ATS pick
Timberwolves -1.5 (1Q) vs. Mavericks (-120)
The Wolves the importance of a Game 2 victory — giving up your first two home games in a series is like sticking the proverbial sword into your own chest. Minnesota can't go to Dallas down 2-0, so Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and company must get off to a strong start on Friday night.
That shouldn't be a problem. Minnesota put up 33 points in Game 1, winning the quarter by six. The Wolves also won the first quarter in their previous home game by 17. If they come out with that same level of intensity and make some defensive adjustments, a two-point lead at the end of the first frame tonight seems like a small ask.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Wolves 30, Mavericks 26 — Minnesota wins the first quarter (-165) and covers the -1.5 spread (-120), and the first-quarter score finishes OVER the projected total of 53.5 (-110).
BUY NOW: Cheapest tickets to see the Mavs-Wolves in the NBA Playoffs
Best NBA playoff odds and picks: Top over/under bet
Mavs at Wolves: OVER 207.5 (-110)
Both these teams played at a fast pace on Wednesday, so the game finished with 213 total points even with some inconsistent shooting in the second half. With Minnesota chomping at the bit to bounce back from the Mavs' Game 1 upset, expect Ant-man and his comrades to come out firing and aggressively attacking the rim.
The Wolves have faced Dallas five times since the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, averaging 114.2 points per game across those five contests. Game 1 was its lowest-scoring effort of the five, in large part because Edwards shot just 6-of-16 for 19 points. Both the full-game OVER and the Wolves team OVER of 105.5 (-130) seem like strong Game 2 bets.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Wolves 109, Mavericks 103 — Minnesota wins (-210) and just barely covers the -5.5 spread (-105), and the final score finishes well OVER the projected total of 207.5 (-110).
Best NBA playoff odds and picks: Top player prop bets
Jaden McDaniels points: OVER 12.5 (-110)
McDaniels is playing at a confidence level we have never seen from him before, and it couldn't come at a better time. The Mavericks' strategy of blitzing Edwards and defending everything at the rim has worked well, and JMC proved to be one of the only players to consistently stretch the floor for the Wolves.
After McDaniels posted scoring totals of 21-plus in three straight big-time playoff games, it's surprising to see his over/under still projected this low. The three-and-D stud scored a team-high 24 in Game 2, hitting 6-of-9 three-point attempts and 9-of-15 total shots.
The usage is the most trustworthy part. McDaniels has taken double-digit shots three games in a row, and he has scored 13-plus points in nine of the past 10 games he has logged that many attempts. Thirteen should be our lucky number as we head into the weekend, and JMC might get us there by the midpoint of the third quarter.
NBA playoff bets and spreads tonight: Full odds board
All odds courtesy of BetMGM, an authorized gaming operator of the NBA.
| Game | Time | Moneyline | Spread | O/U |
| Mavs @ Wolves | 8:30 pm (TNT) | MIN -210; DAL +170 | MIN -5.5 (-105) | 207.5 |
NBA Playoffs updated bracket
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