Best bets, oddsmaker insights for Mavs-Wolves Game 1

‘Good two-way action’ on Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals

What a complete and utter collapse by the Indiana Pacers last night in Boston. There was no doubt late that the Pacers (+10.5) would cover, but up 117-114 with 10 seconds left and inbounding the ball, there is really no reason to lose that game. At one sportsbook, the odds of the Boston Celtics to win at that moment were 25-1.

But alas, the pressure of the NBA Conference Finals is immense and we saw two critical late turnovers from Indiana’s star Tyrese Haliburton that also contributed to the 133-128 loss, as the Celtics escaped with a Game 1 win.

Tonight, we turn our attention to the Western Conference with two (somewhat) surprising teams in the conference finals. The Minnesota Timberwolves are -185 series favorites against the Dallas Mavericks (+150) at BetMGM, and while 55% of the bets are on the Mavs to win the series, a robust 77% of the money is on Minnesota to advance to its first NBA Finals. You know which way I’ll be rooting for it to go.

Here is some insight on how the public is betting Game 1 of this series from four different sportsbooks, along with quotes from two bookmakers and several best bets.

Good luck with your bets!

Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves (-4.5, 207)

DraftKings: 57% of bets, 65% of $$ on Wolves -4.5

BetMGM: 51% of bets, 54% of $$ on Wolves -4.5

Fanatics: 62% of bets, 73% of $$ on Wolves -4.5

BetRivers: 49% of bets, 47% of $$ on Wolves -4.5

Most bet (tickets) Timberwolves-Mavericks player props at BetMGM

1. Kyrie Irving over 20.5 points (-150)

2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker over 1.5 three-pointers made (+110)

3. Nickeil Alexander-Walker over 6.5 points (+105)

4. Kyrie Irving over 29.5 points/rebounds/assists (-125)

5. Luka Doncic over 28.5 points (-105)

Oddsmaker Insights

“Unlike Game 1 of the Pacers-Celtics where we were very top-heavy on the Pacers, the Mavs-T’Wolves game is seeing a lot of two-way action. Although, we’re still a few hours to tip off, that could all change with a heavy wager or two.” — Craig Mucklow, VP of trading at Caesars Sportsbook

“Pretty balanced right now at Wolves -4.5. Total getting bet to the over, currently at 206.5. But right now, no real decision on the side. The series is a big one for us overall, though. Huge swing in outcomes between Minnesota and Dallas. We’ll be rooting for Dallas.” — Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata in Atlantic City

Best Bets

Wolves -4 — Doug Kezirian, OnlyPlayers

Kyrie Irving under 4.5 1Q points — Kezirian