The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading to Dallas for Game 3 of their playoff series, down 0-2 after the Mavericks stole both games in Minnesota. Are they cooked? Will Anthony Edwards show up? Let's find out!
The Clutch Factor
Both games in this series have been close, but the Mavericks have managed to dominate the final minutes of each fourth quarter. Dallas has been pulling off late-game heroics thanks to Luka Doncic's incredible shot making, but this strategy of coasting through the first three quarters and turning it on at the end can be risky. It’s hard to consistently rely on clutch performances to secure wins, and the Mavericks might eventually get burned by this approach. On the other side we have Anthony Edwards pulling a Houdini with the game on the line. To get right to the point: he needs to step up, and its perplexing as to why he seems to be the only player on the floor who is fatigued in these games. He has disappeared in clutch moments during the first two games, but we know he has the talent to be a game-changer. If Edwards can find his rhythm and perform in the fourth quarter, Minnesota will have a much better chance of securing a win. This game is crucial for Edwards to show up and lead his team when it matters most.
Road Warriors
Minnesota has been excellent on the road in these playoffs, boasting a 5-1 record away from home. This resilience and ability to win in hostile environments will be key as they head into Game 3. Conversely, Dallas hasn’t won two straight games in a series yet, which adds to the uncertainty of them maintaining their late-game dominance. Both of these teams have actually thrived in opponents' buildings, and we often see teams who have the advantage at home slip up, as it becomes a bit of a pressure cooker situation in front of the home crowd. Considering that the Wolves won 3 out of 4 games in Denver, I don't think the Dallas crowd will rattle them.
Best Bet
I think it's likely we follow a theme in this series with the road team showing up once again. Minnesota is not going to be a popular pick after blowing an 18 point lead in game 1. But yet the line has ticked down a bit as sharp action flows in on their side. The Wolves ability to win on the road combined with some shooting regression in the final minutes for Dallas gives them a great chance to keep this game close, if not win outright. Let's just hope Edwards is present this time...
Pick: Wolves +2.5 (-110)
Don't forget to take advantage of code 'MONTH50', which will get you 50% off of your first month of picks here: https://bit.ly/40vqXyB