Over the next few days, we have a loaded NBA slate with the second-round matchups from all four series. Here’s one of the best bets for Game 1 between Dallas and OK City.
Top betting sites have Oklahoma City Thunder as a 3.5-point favorite against the Mavericks in this matchup.
However, the NBA AI Model believes the Thunder will escape with a four-point victory over the Mavericks. Therefore, the value is on the Thunder in Game 1.
For more of today’s betting analysis, check out:
NBA Computer Pick: Thunder -3.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Tuesday, May 07, 2024 – 09:30 PM ET at Paycom Center
No Rust For Oklahoma City
The Thunder haven’t played basketball since April 29th, when they swept the Pelicans in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
The defense has been incredible throughout the playoffs and through the season. New Orleans didn’t score more than 100 points per 100 possessions against the Thunder in the entire series.
Things will get a little harder against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. But overall, the Thunder are connected on the defensive end. Even if shots miss early, the defense will keep them in the game.
Could Fatigue Set In?
The Mavericks just gave Jason Kidd a multi-year extension. But maybe they’re all getting ahead of themselves. The Mavericks haven’t won anything yet and have had some really bad defensive efforts throughout the playoffs this season.
The Clippers scored 116 against the Mavericks when Dallas was a 7-point favorite.
The Clippers also added 109 points against Dallas in Game 1. After all, the Thunder were much more consistent in their series and ended up winning in four games. Fatigue could set in on the Mavericks.
NBA Computer Pick
That said, the Thunder have been getting lots of disrespect this season for being young.
But after a dominant first round, the slander needs to finish. Let’s back the Thunder at -3.5.
NBA Computer Pick: Thunder -3.5 (-110) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
