Greetings, basketball fans. Welcome back to our NBA playoff coverage here at Total Apex Sports. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Dallas Mavericks squaring off against the Oklahoma City Thunder
Both of these squads have thrown a punch through the first two games. OKC took the opener by a 117-95 margin. But with the possibility of facing an 0-2 deficit going back home, Dallas responded with a 119-110 victory in Game 2, evening the series at 1-1
As the venue shifts to Dallas, which player props should you watch in this first-round matchup?
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Preview
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points in the opener but shot just 42.1 percent from the field. But in Game 2, he scored a team-high 33 points on 54 percent shooting from the floor, thus making him the key player to watch for OKC. He currently has -106 odds of scoring more than 29.5 points and -129 odds of finishing with less than 35.5 points (via Caesars Sportsbook).
Here is a look at how his numbers stack up against the projected points total for this matchup.
- During the regular season and playoffs, he is averaging 29.9 points per game in 81 appearances.
- SGA has played against the Dallas Mavericks six times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he averaged 25.0 points per contest.
- During the team’s postseason run, he is averaging 28.5 points per outing.
- Gilgeous-Alexander has suited up against Western Conference teams 55 times this season. In those contests, he is averaging 29.7 points per outing.
- In 23 matchups against teams in the Southwest Division, OKC’s point guard averages 27.1 points per game.
- Over his last 10 outings, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 27.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup just three times during that stretch.
Prediction: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 29.5 points
On the heels of his 29-point performance in Game 2, Luka Doncic is the key Dallas Mavericks player to watch for the home team. He currently has -108 odds of scoring more than 30.5 points and -112 odds of finishing with less than 30.5 points (via DraftKings).
Does Doncic’s numbers favorably compare to the estimated points total for this matchup? Let’s examine the tale of the tape to find out.
- Doncic is averaging a whopping 33.3 points per contest during the regular season and playoffs.
- In four games against the Thunder this season, Doncic has averaged 29.0 points per contest.
- During the postseason, he is averaging 28.4 points per outing.
- Doncic has played against Western Conference teams 50 times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he has averaged 32.4 points per outing.
- In 16 matchups against Northwest Division opponents, the Mavericks do-it-all guard averages 33.3 points per game.
- Over his last 10 Dallas Mavericks outings, Doncic has averaged 29.5 points, 9.2 assists, and 9.0 rebounds per contest while exceeding the points total for this matchup four times during that stretch.
Prediction: Luka Doncic OVER 30.5 points
James Tillman’s Mavericks vs. Thunder Picks
- Player Prop Bet #1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) OVER 29.5 points
- Player Prop Bet #2: Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks) OVER 30.5 points
For More Great Content
To read more great articles from James Tillman III, please continue to read on our main site. Also, check out our betting content here! Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
