Warriors vs. Mavericks Game 5 Preview, Predictions, Picks & Odds (2022 NBA Playoffs)

May 26, 2022 - 1:10 PM

The Dallas Mavericks will look to become the 12th team in NBA history to force a Game 6 after going down 4-0 in a series, taking one step closer to becoming the 4th team to force a Game 7. While the odds are long, is this team just young and dumb enough to think they can do it?

Let’s take a closer look.

DraftKings Odds

• Warriors +7 (-110), -310
• Mavericks -7 (-110), +245
• O/U 200.5 (Over -110, Under -110)

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks’ move of superstar Luka Doncic to the wing on Tuesday proved to be the difference for them, earning them their first win of the series 119-109 at home for a game they retained control of throughout. While Doncic scored below his series average (scoring 30 points) during an off-night of shooting, it helped his teammates to finally get going as Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith combined for 41 points.

In total, the Mavericks shot 47% from three-point, which proved the difference for a team that had yet to match the Warriors from deep this series. Dallas also goes back to ball security, which has been a significant catalyst for their success this postseason, turning the ball over just 10.4 times per game these playoffs.

Golden State Warriors

Simply put, if the Splash Brothers get back to cooking tonight in San Francisco, this series will be over no matter what the Mavericks do defensively or offensively. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, held to a pedestrian 32 combined points in Game 4, likely won’t be held down for long.

The Warriors ‘ bench exploded while the Curry-Thompson connection went cold on Tuesday. Led by Jordan Poole and a pair of rookies in Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, a 29-point gap was cut to just eight points as the bench finished with 51 points.

Prediction and Best Bet

Despite the final scores in this series, the Mavericks have been entrenched in just about every game this series before late collapses. Taking a 72-58 lead into half in Game 2 and a 1-point deficit into half in Game 3, the Mavericks’ lack of scoring late has come back to bite them in each game.

While the Warriors’ adjustments undoubtedly are the primary catalyst for those ultimate defeats, I think the Mavs adjustments in Game 5 opened up something they can build on as they return to The Bay. Though I’m not sure they have the firepower late go shot for shot with this Warriors dynasty, I think they can keep it inside this number with their season on the line.

Pick: Mavericks +7

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