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- What: Western Conference Finals
- Who: Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- When: Wednesday, May 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- How to watch: TNT and NBA League Pass
You can go ahead and mark down the biggest upset of the NBA playoffs. That’s because on Sunday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves were able to do the unthinkable. With their series tied 3-3 against the Nuggets, Game 7 was in Denver and so many people thought Minnesota would love. However, they came out on top and their confidence is through the roof. Now, the Timberwolves are small favorites in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Will Dallas be able to keep things tight?
The Mavericks are also riding quite high, as they were able to take down the Oklahoma City Thunder in their series. OKC was the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but Dallas took them down in six games. Now, though, they’re going to have to try and do the same against Minnesota and Anthony Edwards. Edwards is one of the most exciting players in the NBA right now and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
| Mavs vs Timberwolves Game 1 |  |  |  |
| Timberwolves to win | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Mavs to win | +125 | +125 | +125 |
| Over 196 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 196 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
“It was tough, man, because I couldn’t find myself, my rhythm tonight,” Edwards said after he didn’t have his best showing in Game 7, but the Timberwolves came out on top. “So I just had to trust my teammates, man. They kept trapping me even though I was off, so I tried to make the right play.”
With Game 1 on the way, basketball fans across the globe can’t wait to see who will be victorious. According to the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, the Timberwolves hold -110 NBA playoffs betting odds to win Game 1. As for the Mavericks, they hold +125 NBA betting odds as the underdogs. This could end up being a close game, but with things taking place in Minnesota, we’re going with the Timberwolves as our pick.
Game 7 did not disappoint. pic.twitter.com/KuZ8mxNpv8
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 20, 2024
The Timberwolves are also favored to move on to the NBA Finals
It should come as no surprise, but the Timberwolves are also favored to move on to the NBA Finals. Minnesota is riding high and things aren’t going to change for them over the next week or so. Dallas is hoping to stun everyone and move on to the Finals, but it’s going to be a tall task for them, especially with Minnesota having the home-court advantage. Not only is Edwards playing well, but Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Rudo Gobert and others are looking sharp for Minnesota.
Gobert is one of the best defensive big men in the game and he’s been backing that up this postseason. Edwards has been sensational and we also have to focus on Conley. He’s one of the best point guards in the NBA and he’s been a great floor general. He’s going to have to keep playing at a high level against Dallas, especially with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving being so exceptional.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 20, 2024
“Man, I’ve replayed it a lot. Having an opportunity to win a Game 7 like that, not being able to make the shot was tough,” Conley said on a previous loss in the postseason. “And now here we are in a similar situation where we get to play that same team, a lot of the same guys. So for me it’s been something I’ve been thinking about a long time. Hopefully this will turn out different.”
This series between the Mavericks and Timberwolves could end up going the distance, which is what a lot of people are hoping for. Per the oddsmakers, the Timberwolves hold -170 NBA betting odds to move on to the Finals, while the Mavs have been set at +250. Again, we think the Mavericks will be able to make things quite interesting, but our gut thinks Minnesota will be the ones to advance. We’re picking the Timberwolves to win this series.
The Celtics are still expected to win the title this season
While there’s a ton of buzz surrounding the Timberwolves right now, keep in mind that the Celtics are still expected to win the title this season. Boston had no issues against Cleveland in their recent series and now they’re going to be taking on the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers were able to take down the Knicks in Game 7, but not a lot of people are giving them much of a chance against Boston. Indiana has a deep roster, but can they make things tight with Boston?
Matter of fact, plenty of fans think Boston will be able to post a sweep. With how great Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been playing, we wouldn’t be surprised either if Boston is able to win 4-0 and then move on to the NBA Finals. Whether it’s the Timberwolves or the Mavericks, Boston will be favored in big-time fashion. Edwards and Co. will hope to make things interesting, but it’s going to be tough for anyone to take down the Celtics. We’d anticipate that happening as well in that case.
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