Dallas Mavericks -1.5

The Mavs loss of “backup” center Lively hurts, but The starting center Gafford should carry the load.     Mavs will be focused on sweeping the Wolves, to get ready for Boston.  Luka and Kyrie are the best players on the court and Kyrie has the playoff experience and the ring.   In addition, he is hungry.    I don’t know what the public v sharp stats are for this game, but I perceive a lot of public square support for the “road dog” and you know what that means…The public perception is that the Wolves are just too talented to be swept.  If you recall Dallas lost to Denver in the WCF last season.  And many on this forum underestimate the home court advantage that the Mavs enjoy at AA in Dallas.  I was there Sunday night.  It was magical late in the 4th after the wolves tied and went ahead by 5…Dallas does not want to go back Minneapolis, and will counter the wolves desperation, with a must win mentality tonight.  And yes I am a Mavs homer…So take this with a grain of salt.  Dallas Mavericks win by 10 and cover…and sweep the Wolves…KAT will again be bricking and Edwards will be exhausted as Rudy G will be dancing again…Luka and Kyrie will ice it yet again…

I agree Mavs have zero interest in extending series. ZERO. Not a conspiracy theorist but sometimes it’s about the money. 2 sweeps means less revenue but maybe somehow the NBA is getting revenue from gambling. 
What I’m saying is, the  NBA is entertainment. They are not just going to give up all that money to the 2 sweeps. But if enough money is made on the gambling side (because everything is legal now in most states and it’s pretty much the same sbooks so kickbacks would be easy) then maybe that money is just moved around NBA gets paid and the complete unexpected is allowed to happen. That would also quell a lot of the “rigged” talk for awhile. 
I think I’m overthinking it BUT. 

Affirmative!

Tell us more about that series.

You must be in Minn.  that’s fine.  Different Mavs team than then…but it appears Minn did not even make it that far last season…

I don’t think the NBA cares who wins the series in however many games.    I think a Dallas v Boston matchup in the final will get a lot of eyeballs and clicks. Boston will be favored over Dallas.     If Dallas has to to play 2 more games to win the west, then their chances of beating Boston will be diminished.

GL 

Yeah, I can tell you're a big fan who follows the Mavs closely.  /s

BOL on your play @LonghornHoosier 

@LonghornHoosier

I disagree. I think the longer it takes the Mavericks to finish this series, the more their chances against the Celtics improve.

@MrBator

That depends and yes, Bos might be a little most rusty after an extended layoff. On the other hand, Mavs might also be drained emotionally, not to mention a higher risk of injuries.

@MrBator

 Totally DISAGREE. Mr B...

Mavs Being Exposed and Draining much needed Energy against Well Rested  squad resting..

C's Easily Hoist Larry OBRIEN Trophy in FINALS 

Yikes…. Kinda jinxed the Mavs with that writeup   

what if…. They host game 6 ? Could be fun…. 

Talking to a buddy…I’m pretty sure I could average 4 pts a game with Luka and Kyrie on my team!  They make anyone look like an All Star.  

I actually think pretty much every single person on this website would not manage a single point if they got some minutes in the NBA. That may sound harsh because most could imagine themselves just jacking up a few hail mary's but most people would only be 178cm to 190cm tall and they would be guarded by an athlete close to 6ft'4 and have exceptional wingspan and jumping ability. Every time you got the ball, you would immediately be seized upon and have very little time to shoot.

@Bobbys_pregame

 You might be surprised my 6’9” roommate (rarely on the site) just recently finished runner up 3v3 league across the country.  Played division 1 in Europe.  I can guarantee a bucket if he plays with Doncic and Irving. Guaranteed.  360 dunks are easy for him, yoga, surfing daily and athletic as hell…..works out like Jimmy Butler his idle.  His trunk is like a horse.  Scored 990 points in college.  Just missing the 1000. 

“actually, amd pretty much every person on the websites would not manage a single point….” 

Guess we’ll never know…. BUT in case you missed the point, Luka and Kyrie are making no name players much much better. Great to see.