NBA Picks, Predictions: Our ‘Buckets’ Best Bets for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals (May 24)

NBA Picks, Predictions: Our ‘Buckets’ Best Bets for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals (May 24) article feature image
Credit:

David Berding/Getty Images. Pictured: Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert.

The Western Conference Finals roll on Friday with Game 2 between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Our "Buckets" crew came through with three best bets for Game 2 of the WCF, and they're all focused on the Wolves, who are looking to avoid an 0-2 hole before making the trip to Dallas.

Check out the full episode of "Buckets" below, and continue reading for all three NBA best bets for Friday.


GameTime (ET)Pick
Dallas Mavericks LogoMinnesota Timberwolves Logo
7:30 p.m.Timberwolves 1H -3.5
Dallas Mavericks LogoMinnesota Timberwolves Logo
7:30 p.m.Timberwolves -5
Dallas Mavericks LogoMinnesota Timberwolves Logo
7:30 p.m.Timberwolves -5
Header First Logo

Timberwolves 1H -3.5 vs. Mavericks

7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT

By Bryan Fonseca

I must say I am still surprised — and part of me still can't believe — that the Timberwolves are in the conference finals.

I expect Minnesota to come out hot in this first half. I think the defense will handle business and will make Luka Doncic uncomfortable.

Of course, Kyrie Irving got off to an incredible start, and I don't expect the same first half from him tonight. I think Minnesota will find answers defensively for Kyrie and Luka.

Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns will find their rhythm here in the first half, and I think the defense will come out with something to prove.

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Header First Logo

Timberwolves -5 vs. Mavericks

7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT

By Joe Dellera

Yeah, a lot of us were on Dallas in Game 1 after the Wolves went to seven games in what we thought was a scheduled loss.

It was just a bad spot for Minnesota, but I like it here. Edwards took 12 shots from behind the arc, and although he made five, he needs to score inside and in the midrange.

Minnesota settled for a lot of outside shots, and I think head coach Chris Finch will game-plan better for inside scoring. The Wolves were baited into taking outside shots instead of trying to draw fouls and generate free throws.

I think they'll look to get the Mavs' bigs into foul trouble early and lean on the defense that has gotten them this far.



Header First Logo

Timberwolves -5 vs. Mavericks

7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT

By Matt Moore

Teams at home in Game 2 after the first round that are favored are 37-12 straight up and 28-20-1 against the spread.

Teams in that spot in the conference finals after losing Game 1 at home are 9-7 straight up and 6-10 against the spread. While these trends don't back up the Timberwolves, I think this is a great spot to take them in a bounce-back spot at home.

They have to at least get a split before heading to Dallas.

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