Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of a blowout victory to earn their first Conference Finals berth since 2011
• The Golden State Warriors return to the Conference Finals after two straight non-playoff seasons
• The Mavericks won the regular season series over the Warriors, 3-1

Mavericks vs Warriors Odds

Head-to-Head: Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors

Injury Report

How Can the Mavericks Beat the Warriors?

The Dallas Mavericks were not only able to out-shoot their opponents in the second round, but their defensive ability frustrated the NBA‘s top seed. Against the Warriors, Dallas will need to match their breakneck pace and limit their shooters.

Almost modest to how they’ve performed, the Warriors ranked 13th in the league in pace. Their speed opens up shooting opportunities, as the Warriors have converted on 15.5 threes on 38.3 attempts in playoff victories.

Dallas didn’t lock down the Suns from the field, rather the pressure of their defense was excellent – forcing 15 turnovers per game. Considering the Warriors are the 29th in the league in turnovers per game (14.9), Dallas must double down on their defensive stance.

Mavericks Key Player: (G) Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic went off in game seven to eliminate the Suns! ? pic.twitter.com/Q2rt5rSTMa

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 16, 2022

One the league’s true young stars, Luka Doncic cemented his name among the best in the NBA when he led his Dallas Mavericks over the regular season’s best team, the Phoenix Suns.

In the Mavericks’ second-round series, last year’s Western Conference Champions could not contain Doncic. The Slovenian All-Star averaged 32.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.1 steals in 36.1 minutes per game.

Doncic is a high volume shooter, but he’s also the focal point of the Maverick’s offence. How he adjusts to the Warriors’ pressure defence will determine how successful Dallas can be in Game 1.

How Can the Warriors Beat the Mavericks?

The Warriors have faced a team with a true All-NBA talent in each round of these playoffs so far. The trend will continue when they take on the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic.

Golden State will be concerned with young superstar Luka Doncic, but they will want him to employ his game. The Mavericks have collected 20.4 assists in playoff victories this season, versus just 15.2 in losses.

If the Warriors want to take Game 1 for themselves, they’ll need to force the Mavericks into difficult one-on-one play. Doncic thrives in any offensive situation, but the key will be not allowing him to involve his teammates.

Warriors Key Player: (G) Stephen Curry

Steph Curry becomes the first player in NBA History with 500 career three-pointers made in the Playoffs! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/P2HpyVdhbI

— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2022

Look no further than the star of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, Stephen Curry is the man to beat. Upon returning to the playoffs after missing out for the last two seasons, Curry has been brilliant.

In his second-round series against the tough Memphis Grizzlies, Curry posted averages of 26.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. He only shot 41.3% from the field and 32.9% from three, but the pace of the Warriors play made up for his relative inefficiency.

Dallas are also a team that like to score in bunches and get out to defend the three-point line. How Curry adjusts to open the series will determine the opportunities that his teammates can get.

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