The Dallas Mavericks travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves in a big-time Game 5 on Thursday. The Boston Celtics are waiting to see who they'll face off against in the NBA Finals as the Mavericks lead the 2024 Western Conference finals 3-1. Minnesota is averaging 107.8 points per game in the 2024 NBA playoffs, while Dallas is right behind it with 106.9 points per contest. Luka Doncic (ankle/knee) and Dereck Lively II (neck) are listed as questionable for Dallas, while Mike Conley (calf) is questionable for Minnesota.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Minnesota is a 5-point favorite in the latest Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds, per SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 209.5. Before making any Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks, be sure to check out what legendary handicapper Bruce Marshall has to say.
An in-demand guest on numerous sports talk radio and TV shows across the country, Marshall's vast array of editorial work has been featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the New York Post and many other outlets. He has won various handicapping titles and also is working on several book projects. Marshall has crushed his NBA picks this season for SportsLine members, entering this matchup on a 193-142 run that has returned more than $3,700 for $100 players. Anybody following is way up.
Now, he has set his sights on Mavericks vs. Timberwolves and locked in his picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Timberwolves vs. Mavericks:
- Mavericks vs. Timberwolves spread: Minnesota -5
- Mavericks vs. Timberwolves over/under: 209.5 points
- Mavericks vs. Timberwolves money line: Minnesota -196, Dallas +163
- MIN: The Timberwolves are 3-6 ATS in their past nine games
- DAL: The Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games on the road
- Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Timberwolves can cover
Forward Jaden McDaniels is an effective wing threat out on the perimeter. McDaniels has quick feet and length to be a disruptive defender, and the 23-year-old can also space the floor as a shooter. In the 2024 NBA playoffs, McDaniels is logging 12.5 points, four rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He's scored 15-plus points in two of the last four games, including in Game 1 when McDaniels finished with 24 points and made six 3-pointers.
Center Naz Reid is an impactful presence off the bench as he scores in a variety of ways with a reliable jumper on the outside. The LSU product also uses his size to be a stout defender as well. He is averaging 11.5 points with 3.7 rebounds and making 38.5% from downtown in the postseason. In Game 2, Reid notched 23 points and went 7-of-9 from 3-point land. See which team to pick here.
Why the Mavericks can cover
Guard Kyrie Irving is an exceptional ball handler and shot creator. Irving has the ball on a string when shifting through the defense with great court vision to find the open man. The eight-time All-Star averages 22 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the 2024 NBA playoffs. In Game 3, Irving dropped 33 points and four assists.
Forward PJ Washington is an athletic perimeter shooter who moves well off the ball to create good scoring opportunities. He also plays defense with great effort and energy. The former Kentucky standout averages 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and is shooting 36% from downtown in the postseason. In Game 3, he had 16 points and eight boards. See which team to pick here.
How to make Timberwolves vs. Mavericks picks
Marshall is leaning Under on the point total. He has also identified a critical X-factor that makes one side of the spread a must-back. He's only sharing what it is, and which side to back, at SportsLine.
So who wins Timberwolves vs. Mavericks in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, and which side of the spread is a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Mavericks vs. Timberwolves spread to jump on, all from the expert who has returned more than $3,700 on his NBA picks this season, and find out.
