Game 1 of this series closed with the Timberwolves favored by 4.5 points and a total of 207 points. The Mavericks covered (winning outright) and the over cashed (213 points).
Looking at the live betting odds for Game 2, the consensus line seems to be holding up fairly well at most sportsbooks. The Timberwolves are a 5.5-point favorite across the board, with a total of 207.5.
We expect the Timberwolves to come out on fire tonight and would love to bet the first half up to -3. However, most of the bookmakers have the line set at -4 to -4.5, making the full game at -5.5 the obvious play.
Minnesota is 8-4 in the NBA Playoffs and was 3-1 against Dallas during the regular season. They have also won 6 of their last 8 home games against the Mavs.
Another trend worth watching, both of these teams are great defenses, and the total has reflected that in games 1 and 2. However, the over cashed in game 1 and the regular season total between these teams averaged just under 220 points.
After a controversial post-game presser from the young Wolves following a Game 1 loss, Anthony Edwards will look to prove his stardom and take a much-needed Game 2 in his hands.
One tweak to the rotation today will be more Kyle Anderson (Slo-Mo) minutes. Since his UCLA days, Anderson has been one of the more intriguing players to watch. Think Luka Doncic met Yao Ming on the basketball court.
Anderson played 27 minutes in Game 1 and finished with 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting. With the focus on Edwards and the Mavs limiting his production in the paint, tear droppers and mid-range jumpers are available for Kyle Anderson who should capitalize on his opportunity.
In the three games where KA has played 17+ minutes this postseason, he’s hit this prop mark each time (11/6/4).
We are riding the wave with this P.J. Washington prop. He’s gone over in his last four games against Minnesota (8/7/7/7), while going over in 6 of his last 7 postseason games (6/11/6/12/10/5/7).
With Minnesota bound to play streaky shooters in KAT, Naz Reid, Kyle Anderson, and NAW in the rotation, expect plenty of P.J. rebounding opportunities again in Game 2.
Star players show up after a playoff loss, and we expect nothing less from Anthony Edwards in Game 2. After a few postgame comments that could get mistaken for excuses, Edwards and the Wolves heard the noise after Game 1 and should come out with physicality on the offensive side of the ball to take care of business.
Following a loss this postseason, the Wolves star has gone for 44/18/27 points, so the 26.5 point prop is one to target this game.
Although Irving had a spectacular Game 1 and has been silencing the critics all postseason, his 30-point outburst a few nights ago overshadowed the fact that Kyrie became more of a playmaker in the OKC series and could continue to do so against an inexperienced Minnesota team.
Irving has missed this PR mark in 8 of 13 playoff games this season while failing to reach the 25-point mark in back-to-back games. We are looking for a drop-off in production as Irving gets more of his teammates involved in this game.