Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds, prediction: 2024 NBA Western Conference finals Game 3 picks by proven model
The fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks will look to put the third-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves on the brink of elimination when they meet in Game 3 of their Western Conference finals series on Sunday. The Timberwolves (56-26), who are making just their second conference finals appearance, are looking to defeat Dallas for the first time in the postseason. The Mavericks (50-32), who lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games in the 2021-2022 conference finals, are 5-0 all-time in the playoffs against Minnesota. Dallas is coming off a 109-108 win in Game 2, after winning Game 1 108-105.
Tip-off from American Airlines Center in Dallas is set for 8 p.m. ET. The Mavericks are 2.5-point favorites in the latest Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 207.5. Before making any Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model entered the conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following the model has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has dialed in on Timberwolves vs. Mavs in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals and locked in its 2024 NBA playoff predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Mavs vs. Timberwolves:
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks spread: Dallas -2.5
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks over/under: 207.5 points
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks money line: Minnesota +115, Dallas -136
- MIN: The Timberwolves have hit the money line in 31 of their last 45 away games (+17.85 units)
- DAL: The Mavericks have covered the spread in 33 of their last 47 games (+17.60 units)
- Timberwolves vs. Mavericks picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Mavericks can cover
Power forward P.J. Washington has reached double-digit scoring in eight of his last nine postseason games and has recorded three double-doubles during that span. In a Game 2 119-110 win at Oklahoma City in the second round, Washington poured in 29 points, while grabbing 11 rebounds and adding four assists. He is coming off a 10-point, five-rebound and two-block effort in Friday’s Game 2 win at Minnesota. In 14 playoff games, all starts, he is averaging 13.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and one steal in 36 minutes.
Small forward Derrick Jones Jr. has been solid this postseason, scoring 10 or more points in seven of 13 games. He scored a playoff-high 22 points, while adding four rebounds and two assists in a 117-116 Game 6 close-out win over the Thunder in the second round on May 18. He had eight points and four boards in the Game 1 win over the Timberwolves. In 14 playoff games, all starts, Jones is averaging 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 assists in 31 minutes. See which team to pick here.
Why the Timberwolves can cover
Shooting guard Anthony Edwards continues to set the pace for Minnesota. In 13 playoff games, all starts, Edwards is averaging 27.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals in 40.2 minutes. He is coming off a 21-point, seven-assist and five-rebound performance in the Game 2 loss. In Game 1 of the series, Edwards nearly registered a triple-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds with eight assists.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns has been a big part of Minnesota’s success this postseason. He is coming off a 15-point, seven-rebound and three-assist effort in Friday’s loss. He has registered six double-doubles this postseason, including a 23-point and 12-rebound performance in the 98-90 Game 7 win at Denver on May 19. In 13 playoff starts, he is averaging 18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32 minutes. See which team to pick here.
How to make Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 214 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits over 60% of the time. You can only get the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Game 3 of Mavericks vs. Timberwolves, and which side of the spread hits over 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,800 on its NBA picks this season, and find out.
