Yahoo Sports Mavericks vs. Timberwolves: Predictions and odds for Western Conference Finals Game 5
There will be no sweep in the Western Conference Finals. The Minnesota Timberwolves' 105-100 road win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 ensured at least one more game.
Dallas eked out a close win on the road in Game 1 and star Luka Dončić's go-ahead three-pointer erased an 18-point deficit for the Mavericks to win Game 2. Dallas controlled Game 3 at home for a 116-107 win but couldn't close it out with a sweep Tuesday night.
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Dončić is on a tear in this series, leading all players in points (31.5), rebounds (9.5), and assists (9.0) per game. Anthony Edwards is leading the way for Minnesota. He shrugged off poor shooting nights in Game 1 and Game 2 to now average 23.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists for the series.
Will Dallas close things out in five games to secure the franchise's first NBA Finals berth since 2011? Or will Minnesota force another elimination game? Here's what you need to know ahead of Game 5:
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NBA Western Conference Finals: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 5 predictions
Bleacher Nation: Timberwolves 115, Mavericks 109
Staff note Minnesota is holding opponents to just 103.9 points per game at home, the best mark in the NBA, but the Mavericks have a 48-34-0 record against the spread this season.
FanDuel: Timberwolves -4.5
Riley Thomas writes: "My pick will likely hinge on the status of Lively. If Dallas has the rookie's defensive presence, I like their chances of closing with a win (+158). The Mavs would have the interior defense to win the paint battle once again. Until I see Lively is cleared, I'm firmly backing the Timberwolves to cover the spread. With Towns producing -- which is directly impacted by Lively's status -- Minnesota is a different team."
ClutchPoints: Dallas +4.5
Cameron Zunkel says: "This should be a good game, as the rest of them have been. I do not see either team winning by 10 points or more. In fact, I would not be surprised to see another game end within five points. For that reason, I will take the Mavericks to cover the spread Thursday night."
ESPN: Dallas has a 50.3% chance to win
ESPN Analytics point to a close fight in Game 5 with the Mavericks holding a slight edge. The site's Playoff Basketball Power Index (PBPI) rates the Mavericks as the second-best team in the postseason at 5.9 compared to the Timberwolves in fourth at 4.9.
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Western Conference Finals: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 5 odds, betting line
The Timberwolves are favored to win Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, according to BetMGM basketball odds.
Spread: Minnesota (-4.5)
Moneyline: Minnesota (-200); Dallas (+165)
Total Over/Under: 209.5
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Western Conference Finals: Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars schedule
Games | Location | Date/Time/Results | TV/Streaming |
Game 1 | Target Center, Minneapolis | Dallas 108, Minnesota 105 | TNT, Fubo |
Game 2 | Target Center, Minneapolis | Dallas 109, Minnesota 108 | TNT, Fubo |
Game 3 | American Airlines Center, Dallas | Dallas 116, Minnesota 107 | TNT, Fubo |
Game 4 | American Airlines Center, Dallas | Minnesota 105, Dallas 100 | TNT, Fubo |
Game 5 | Target Center, Minneapolis | Thursday, May 30, 8:30 p.m. ET | TNT, Fubo |
Game 6(If necessary) | American Airlines Center, Dallas | TBD | TNT, Fubo |
Game 7(If necessary) | Target Center, Minneapolis | TBD | TNT, Fubo |
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mavericks vs. Timberwolves: Predictions, odds for must-win Game 5
