Prediction for Mavericks vs. Warriors Game 2 – May 20th (2022)

The Golden State Warriors looked like the 2017 Warriors in a dominant 112-87 victory in Game 1. Golden State looks poised for another NBA Finals appearance, but we know the Dallas Mavericks can bounce back from a Game 1 loss. They’ve done it twice in the postseason.

Golden State will host Game 2 before the series shifts to Dallas. There will be much pressure on the Mavericks to even the series, while the Warriors aim to continue their home dominance.

Let’s check out the odds for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Golden State Warriors open as a (-6.5) point home favorite for Game 2. They were a (-5.5) point favorite in Game 1 but blew away that mark.

Golden State has been the favorite in all their playoff games, but their record against the spread is 6-6. They aren’t exactly blowing out opponents. They have covered three times as 7+ point favorites.

The point total for this matchup is 214. Both teams have favored the under in the postseason. Will we see the same in Game 2?

Both teams look good on the injury front. Gary Payton II continues to miss time with a wrist injury but could return later in the series.

The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors qualified for the Western Conference Finals on the strength of their defense. Dallas allowed the fewest points per game in the regular season, and held the Phoenix Suns to 90 points in Game 7.

Golden State’s defense was on full display in Game 1. Dallas failed to score 20 points in the first or fourth quarter. Luka Doncic looked strong in the first half, but Golden State’s defense held him down in the second half.

Dallas was already asking a lot of Doncic to advance to the NBA Finals. Two points on 1-6 field goal shooting in the second half isn’t going to cut it. If that keeps happening, Golden State will sweep Dallas.

I’m being a little too hard on Doncic because we know he’ll bounce back. He nearly had a 40-point triple-double in the final regular-season matchup against Golden State.

The updated 2022 NBA Finals MVP odds have Stephen Curry as the favorite. Curry looked good in Game 1, recording a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. The Warriors’ offense had a balanced scoring attack.

Everyone expects Curry to put up the big numbers, but the Warriors have had this balanced approach through the playoffs. Jordan Poole had a great start to the postseason, and Klay Thompson had a big performance in Game 6 of the Conference Semifinals.

The balanced scoring attack and ferocious defense make the Warriors tough to defeat. Dallas will need more from their offense to win Game 2. Can Doncic and the supporting cast lead Dallas to a Game 2 victory?

A same game parlay is an excellent chance to earn more money on an NBA game. My same game parlay for Game 2 features Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, and Reggie Bullock.

I just finished discussing the Golden State Warriors’ balanced scoring attack. They play their best when Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole are contributing, as opposed to one player producing big scoring numbers.

Curry didn’t have an issue clearing this mark in the first two rounds, but the Dallas Mavericks have done a nice job limiting his points. He only cleared 26.5 points once in five games against Dallas this season.

Golden State should continue to rely on its balance.

The value is on our side with Jalen Brunson’s assist total. His numbers were down in the Conference Semifinals, but he has looked good against Golden State.

Brunson has cleared 3.5 assists in all five matchups against the Warriors. He should continue that streak as Luka Doncic shoulders the scoring workload.

Reggie Bullock’s rebounding numbers probably aren’t something fans have noticed this season. He averaged 3.5 in the regular season, but that has jumped to 4.9 in the postseason. The primary reason for the jump was his performance in the first round.

Bullock has gone under this projection in five of his last seven games. He also failed to hit this mark in all five games against Golden State. Sometimes, you have to take bets that don’t present much value.

This same game parlay will give you (+603) odds.

The Dallas Mavericks didn’t look like a Conference Finals team in Game 1. The Golden State Warriors showed their playoff experience, but I expect a better performance from Dallas in Game 2.

There’s no way Luka Doncic will have another game with two points and six turnovers in the second half. I’m not sure if Dallas has enough to win Game 2, but I believe they’ll keep it close.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals is Friday at 9 p.m. ET on TNT. Feel free to use the top NBA betting sites to wager on this matchup.