Timberwolves vs. Mavericks prediction, odds, schedule for 2024 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals

The Timberwolves and Mavericks weren't who most predicted to end up in the Western Conference Finals, but both teams absolutely deserve to be among the last four teams standing. They have played outstanding basketball against tough opponents, proving their doubters wrong.

Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic are going to of course headline this matchup. But don't sleep on the supporting casts of these teams. Both have built very solid rosters from top to bottom, getting tremendous performances from role players in order to advance this far. A lot of different players could take the role of playoff hero in this series. 

Here's which team looks poised to advance to the NBA Finals. 

MORE: Joel Embiid among NBA players in awe of Wolves' historic comeback

Timberwolves vs. Mavericks prediction

The Wolves just finished putting Jamal Murray through the wringer. They held Denver's second star to just 40.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3 thanks to their elite defensive talent. Can they do the same against Luka Doncic? 

The Timberwolves had their hands full during the regular season. Doncic only played in two of those matchups but averaged 36.5 points, 10.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds on 50.9 percent shooting from the field. Jaden McDaniels got the initial assignment and didn't hold up particularly well, struggling to guard Doncic's post moves. 

The Wolves rotated other defenders on Doncic, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Anthony Edwards. Nobody could really slow him down. 

Minnesota may try some similar tactics that worked against Murray, namely pressuring Doncic full-court to try and wear him down. That has been the go-to strategy against the Mavericks that a number of teams have employed over the past few seasons. Given that Doncic is not at full strength, that might be effective.

What makes the Mavs different this year is that they have a second star in Kyrie Irving who can take over in those situations and lessen the load on Doncic. Irving had a quiet second round against the Thunder, but he has fit in nicely in Dallas, played great defense and is certainly still capable of some huge games. 

Despite those built-in advantages that Dallas has, it's hard to pick against the Wolves when they just knocked out Goliath. This team has no quit in them, as evidenced by their overcoming a 15-point halftime deficit in Game 7 against the Nuggets. Their defense is legit. How successful will Dallas' lob game with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II be with Rudy Gobert looming in the paint? 

Minnesota has also answered its biggest question about how to generate enough offense to win games. Edwards has been brilliant, averaging 28.9 points per game during these playoffs. Karl-Anthony Towns has shown up when it matters, scoring 18.8 points per game and canning 44.0 percent of his 3s. And all five starters are averaging double figures. They have a good, balanced attack. 

This series is going to be a dogfight between two great teams. Minnesota is as well-equipped as anyone to slow down Luka's pick-and-rolls while also having another quality defender to throw at Irving. That should give the Timberwolves the edge in this series. 

Prediction: Timberwolves in seven

Timberwolves vs. Mavericks betting odds

The Timberwolves (-185) open the series as favorites over the Mavericks (+145), per NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM.

• Timberwolves 4-0: +900
• Timberwolves 4-1: +400
• Timberwolves 4-2: +500
• Timberwolves4-3: +425
• Mavericks 4-0: +1400
• Mavericks 4-1: +850
• Mavericks 4-2: +450
• Mavericks 4-3: +750

Timberwolves vs. Mavericks schedule

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