Golden State (2-0) at Dallas (0-2)
When: Sunday, May 22nd 2022
Where: American Airlines Center,
Dallas, TX
Time: 9:00 ET | TV: TNT
Opening Odds: Dallas -2/218.5
The Dallas Mavericks are in a familiar position heading into Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday night. Their series with the Golden State Warriors shifts back home to Dallas and the Mavericks must hold homecourt or they’ll be down 3-0 in the series after Sunday. Dallas was also down 2-0 to the Phoenix Suns in the last round, but rallied to win Games 3 and 4 at home before eventually winning the series. The Mavericks were blitzed in Game 1 and just couldn’t find the basket, hitting just 36.0 percent from the field, 22.9 percent from 3-point land (11-of-48) and 66.7 percent from the foul line (14-of-21). Things got better on Friday night, as they came out hot and took a 14-point halftime lead at Golden State. However, the team went cold in the second half and lost Game 2 on the road 126-117.
The Warriors shot 56.1 percent from the field in both of the first two games of this series and improved on their 3-point shooting in Game 2. After hitting 10-of-29 from long range in the series opener, Golden State connected on 50 percent (14-of-28) in winning Game 2. The Warriors covered the spread as 6-point favorites on Friday and are now 2.5-point underdogs for Sunday’s Game 3 on the road. Golden State is 2-3 away from home this postseason and haven’t won in Dallas since Feb. 4, 2201. The Warriors lost both meetings in Dallas during the regular season, but were missing key players in both. Dallas lost its first home game this postseason without Luka Doncic but has since won the past five.
A big second half propelled Golden State to the 126-117 comeback win at home on Friday, outscoring Dallas 25-13 in the third quarter and 43-32 in the fourth. Steph Curry led the way with 32 points, but Kevon Looney, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds, was the star. Andrew Wiggins scored 16 points in Game 2, while Jordan Poole came off the bench and chipped in 23. Despite a small lineup, the Warriors dominated the Mavericks in the paint to the tune of 62-32 in Game 2. Golden State leads all teams this postseason with 27.9 assists per game.
Luka Doncic once again led the team offensively on Friday, scoring 42 points on 12-of-23 shooting and is now averaging 31.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists this postseason. Dallas led Game 2 by 14 at half, but went just 5-of-19 from the floor, including 2-of-13 from three-point range in the third quarter. Jalen Brunson had a solid game on Friday, recording 31 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Reggie Bullock scored 21 points. The bench didn’t help out at all, scoring just 13 points in a combined 70 minutes of action. Dallas is 10-2 ATS in its past 12 as a favorite and 9-1-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Dallas played much better in Game 2 and really should have won the game. It’s no secret that they play better at home and have been in this position before. I expect Dallas to control this contest.
Check out who Bobby Babowski has on his Free NBA Picks page for today.
Pick: Mavericks -2.5
