At the onset of the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns were considered a fait accompli to repeat as Western Conference champions. The Dallas Mavericks were ignored by most betting on NBA handicappers. Dallas was considered a marginal playoff team carried by one superstar. Luka Doncic is that marquee man on the Mavericks. Two years ago, Doncic burst on the national scene. Now he is leading a Dallas renaissance. Dallas shocked the NBA betting world with their upset of the Suns in the second round. Golden State will host the Mavericks in game one of the Western Conference finals.
2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals Mavericks vs. Warriors Game 1
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 9 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Chase Center, San Francisco, California |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mavericks | +5 (-110) | 214½ (-110) | +175 |  |
| Warriors | -5 (-110) | 214½ (-110) | -210 | |
| ||||
SBG Odds Analysis – Mavericks Winning Converts – Public Prefers Warriors
On this occasion, we will have a traditional online betting split between casuals and sharps. Squares will be all over the Warriors based on branding, Stephen Curry, and home court. Dallas is too new of an idea for the masses. Squares are terrified of the thought of stepping into the Warriors at home. Most important of all, linemakers are aware of this and will adjust the odds accordingly. Gamblers can expect a price on Golden State that is likely higher than it should be.
Wise Guys will be thinking of Dallas as the quality underdog. Consider how the Mavericks took out the Suns with a devastating game seven blowout win at Phoenix. Anyone thinking that the Mavericks were a fluke is over that assumption now. Luka Doncic gives Dallas a shot anytime they take the hardwood. But Doncic is getting help down the lineup.
Dallas Printing Money in the Post Season
Late on, the Mavericks have covered nine of their most recent 12 games. Four of their last five games went under the total. Although Doncic gets plenty of love from the media and fans, defense is just as important to Dallas. NBA rankings show Dallas had the second-best scoring defense in the Association. So far in the postseason, the Mavericks eliminated Utah 4-2 and Phoenix 4-3. Game seven at Phoenix was a 123-90 win for the Mavericks. Doncic scored 35 points to pace Dallas.
First, among Dallas playoff producers this year is Doncic, with 31.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson is becoming a top sidekick to Doncic. Brunson is averaging 22.9 points per game in the postseason.
Not So Golden State of Value in Playoffs
Of great concern is that the Warriors are not making money in the postseason. Despite winning the series 4-2, Golden State covered just two of their six games against Memphis. In like manner to the Mavericks, Golden State is a deceptively good defensive team. The Warriors ranked 3rd for fewest points allowed in the NBA this season.
Naturally, Stephen Curry leads the Warriors with 26.9 points per game.
Mavericks at Warriors SBG Free NBA Picks
In this situation, the Mavericks are coming off a perfectly played Betting on NBA win at Phoenix. That performance will be hard to duplicate in a game one scenario.
Mavericks at Warriors Best Bet: Golden State Warriors.