After a couple of stunning Game 1 matchups in the Conference Finals, we asked the AI Computer Model to point us in the right direction for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Before heading to our top-rated sportsbooks, here’s what the model likes for the Western Conference Finals Game 2.
For more of our betting analysis, check out:
NBA Pick
- Under 207.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Friday, May 24, 2024 – 08:30 PM ET at Target Center
According to our AI Model, the Under 207.5 has some value. In Game 2, the model believes Dallas and Minnesota will combine for 207 points. However, Caesars Sportsbook is hanging that 207.5 number, giving it slight value to the Under.
Minnesota’s Offense Has Been Quiet
While the Timberwolves added a Game 7 win over Denver on May 19, Minnesota still only scored 110.1 points per 100 possessions in that game. They followed that output up with only 112.9 points per 100 possessions in Game 1 against the Mavericks. That certainly won’t get the job done.
The Timberwolves didn’t get to the foul line much against Dallas. They also added just 22.2% of offensive rebounds in that game. These are numbers you love to see if you’re looking to back the Under.
Dallas Wasn’t Much Better
While the Over did hit in Game 1 of this series, ultimately, the Mavericks weren’t elite offensively either. After all, the Mavericks shot a 52.9% effective field goal percentage and turned the ball over nearly 14% of the time. In addition, the Mavericks didn’t see the foul line much either and brought down below 28% of offensive rebounds.
Essentially, in Game 1, neither team got to the foul line at a high rate. Also, neither team added many offensive rebounds, and both teams shot a slightly above-average effective field goal percentage.
There was nothing super impressive about either offense in Game 1, except for the fact that Kyrie Irving went off. He had been quiet for most of the playoffs and is still hard to figure out sometimes. There are days when he’s aggressive and other days when he takes the backseat.
I’m sure he’ll have another one of those lackluster games in this series.
The Pick
We’re rolling with the Under per the AI Model.
NBA Pick: Under 207.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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