Minnesota Timberwolves - Dallas Mavericks predictions and free betting tips [31/05/2024]

In the 5th game of the playoff series, the Dallas Mavericks will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow morning. Dallas leads 3-1 and needs just one more win to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since their championship season in 2011.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves showed resilience by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 105-100 in the fourth game, thereby keeping their hopes alive in the Western Conference Finals series. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns were key figures in this encounter, scoring 29 and 25 points respectively. The team demonstrated excellent play in both defence and offence, making 52% of their field goal attempts and 11 out of 24 three-pointers. A particularly crucial moment was the 8-0 run in the third quarter, which allowed the Timberwolves to pull away.

Coach Chris Finch emphasised the need to continue winning despite one successful game. The improved play of Karl-Anthony Towns, who overcame his streak of poor performances, was key to their success: he made 9 out of 13 field goal attempts. The return to form of Mike Conley, despite injuries, added confidence to the team. Finch expressed pride in Towns' efforts, noting his ability to stay in the game even when faced with difficulties. Roster issues due to injuries and fouls continue to trouble the team, especially on the bench. However, the improved performances of key players and focus on the next game maintain the Timberwolves' morale. Effective use of the front line in the fourth game gave the team the necessary momentum, and now they aim to leverage this to continue their journey in the series.

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for the fifth game of the Western Conference Finals series after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-105. Luka Dončić, despite a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, critically assessed his performance: he made only 7 of 21 field goal attempts. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving, contributing 16 points, also acknowledged that he underperformed throughout the match. Both players expressed determination to rectify the situation in the next game, emphasising the importance of full commitment. Kyrie Irving added 16 points, Jaden Hardy scored 13 in just 12 minutes of play, and Daniel Gafford contributed 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 3 blocks. The Mavericks made only 42% of their field goal attempts and 14 out of 40 from the three-point line. The team faced injury issues: Dereck Lively II missed the fourth game due to the effects of a blow to the head, and his participation in the next match remains uncertain. In his absence, Daniel Gafford assumed a larger role, scoring 12 points and making eight rebounds. Maxi Kleber, returning from injury, added only two points, highlighting the team's depth issues.

Dončić stressed that the team must focus on the next game: "We need to win four games, so we need to win one more. That's all." This approach demonstrates the Mavericks' confidence and intent to seize every opportunity to advance further in the tournament despite current challenges.

Match Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks

I expect a home victory for the Timberwolves after two losses at the start of the series and three out of three most recent close games. Finch’s team should draw conclusions. The teams are equal in ability, and the Irving-Dončić pair cannot always carry the team, as shown in the last game. I anticipate a Minnesota win with a handicap of (-4.5).