Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA
Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Western Conference Finals – Game
The Minnesota Timberwolves stayed alive in the series and will host the Dallas Mavericks tonight in American Airlines Center.
Can the Wolves stay alive in the series?
The Minnesota Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in two decades and only for the second time in franchise history. They had a poor start, losing the first three games of the series. However, they refused to be swept and won Game 4 by 105-100. The Wolves shot 52.7% from the field and 45.8% from deep. Anthony Edwards finished the game with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 points.
The Mavs made things difficult for themselves
The Dallas Mavericks had a huge chance to get back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011, but lost Game 4 at home. That was their first loss after winning the previous four games in the playoffs. They shot only 42% from the field and 35% from three-point territory. Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Kyrie Irving scored 16 points, making only 6 of 18 shots from the field.
Betting Trends
The Mavericks have won 5 of the last 6 games overall, 4 of the last 6 against the Timberwolves, 4 of the last 5 against teams from the Western Conference and 4 of the last 5 against teams from the Northwest Division. Dallas is 10-5 ATS in the last 15 games overall, 5-2 ATS in the last 7 games against Minnesota, 6-1 ATS in the last 7 games on the road and 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games played in Minneapolis. The Mavs have played over the total point line in 4 of their last 5 games overall. The Timberwolves have won the last 10 games played on Thursday and have lost 4 of the last 5 games going in as favorites. They are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games overall and 1-6 ATS in the last 7 games against teams from the Southwest Division. They have played over the total point line in 6 of their last 9 games overall, in 4 of the last 5 home games and in 12 of their last 16 games against teams from the Western Conference.
Prediction and Conclusion
The Mavericks had full control of the series, going up 3-0, and it seemed like they would sweep the Timberwolves in Game 4 at home. However, Minnesota was not ready to end their impressive season and found a way to win that one and bring the series back north. The Wolves are still in a deep hole, but winning this game can bring them back in the series. The last time they played an elimination game at Gome, they defeated the Denver Nuggets by 45 points. Luka Doncic is phenomenal in the series and will try to lead his team to the NBA Finals tonight, but the Wolves will slow him down just enough to win the game and keep their season alive.
