Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Preview/Prop Picks

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals could be a good one. However, after Game 1, plenty of people believe it will be an easy victory for the Warriors.

After losing 112-87, the Mavericks have to find a way to create offense. This could mean that they'll have to create better opportunities for Luka Doncic. Or that they'll have to get their bench players to play a larger role.

Some were shocked at the Warriors' defense ability in Game 1. Frankly, we've seen them play this way before, especially in their series against Memphis.

The Warriors' defense can be a lot more stingy than people give them credit for. They'll hope to have the same kind of defensive prowess tonight. Along with that, they'll hope for another solid offensive showing as well.

Dallas Mavericks: Luka has become a non-factor

Now, what happens through the rest of the series is up to the Dallas Mavericks. Still, there's no surprise that the Warriors' defense is targeting Doncic. Doncic is the Mavericks' leading scorer, averaging 28.4 points per game.

In Game 1, Doncic put up just 20 points and shot 6 for 18 on the night. Physicality was a big part of this game, and Luka left the game with a large scratch.

Aside from Doncic, there's another player to watch in the Mavericks lineup, Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie came off the bench and put up 17 points against the Warriors.

It'd be smart for the Mavericks to get him more involved in the game. Another big problem is that all of the starting lineup, minus Doncic, scored 34 points. They won't be able to win if they perform like that.

Golden State Warriors: Currently their game plan is working

The Warriors had a specific plan in mind for Game 1, stop Luka Doncic. This plan worked to perfection, and the Warriors won the first game of the series.

Now, they'll need to do it again, but this time the Mavericks are expecting it. One of the biggest keys for the Warriors tonight is getting Curry and Thompson open. If they can do that, they should be able to win this game.

Another player that has emerged as a talented addition to the group is Jordan Poole. Poole put up 19 points against the Mavericks in Game 1 and shot 8 for 12.

A big part of this series will be the depth of each team's bench. At the moment, the Warriors have a distinct advantage in that category. We'll see if they continue to hold the edge after Game 2.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Pick

When looking at each of these teams, the offenses stick out the most. The Mavericks are good when Doncic is having a great game. However, when he suffers, the entire team suffers as well.

The Warriors, on the other hand, have more than one way to win a basketball game. Curry only scored 21 points in Game 1, and they still won by 25 points.

Since the Warriors have more depth and a better offense, we'll take Golden State -6.5. We'll pair this with the over as well since it nearly went over in Game 1. Look for the Warriors to get a faster start today, and yet again, shut down Doncic.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Golden State Warriors -6.5, OVER

Prop Picks

Golden State (-115) OVER 110.5 Points

Golden State is averaging 111.0 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 15 in the league, while shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point range, which ranks No. 8. Scores have gone OVER in 12 of Golden State’s last 17 games versus Dallas.

With Dunkel predicting a Golden State victory by the score of 113-103, take the Warriors (-115) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 110.5 points against the Mavericks.

Stephen Curry (-115) OVER 26.5 Points

Curry averaged 25.5 points per game in 64 games during the regular season, which ranked No. 1 on the Warriors. That average has increased to 26.4 points per game in the postseason, which also ranks No. 1 on the Warriors.

With Dunkel predicting a Golden state win with the point total going OVER the Vegas total, take Curry (-115) to finish OVER his Vegas point total of 26.5 points against the Mavericks.