The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to climb back into the best-of-seven series with the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday. Dallas stunned Minnesota by winning the first two games in Minneapolis, including a 109-108 victory on Friday. The Timberwolves (56-26), aiming for their first NBA Finals appearance, won three of four regular-season meetings with Dallas. The Mavericks (50-32), who won the Southwest Division, have never lost a postseason game to Minnesota in five previous meetings.
Tip-off from American Airlines Center in Dallas is set for 8 p.m. ET. The Mavericks are 1.5-point favorites in the latest Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds from SportsLine consensus, with the over/under at 207.5 points. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has returned over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons, provides insights into the game.
Why the Mavericks Can Cover
P.J. Washington has been pivotal, scoring double digits in eight of his last nine postseason games. Derrick Jones Jr. has also been solid, scoring 10 or more points in seven of 13 playoff games. Their consistency will be key for Dallas.
Why the Timberwolves Can Cover
Rudy Gobert, with five double-doubles this postseason, provides a strong presence in the paint. Jaden McDaniels has been impressive, scoring 20 or more points in three of the last four games.
As the series shifts to Dallas, expect a closely contested game with Minnesota fighting to stay alive and Dallas aiming to extend their lead.
