Dallas vs. GSW Game 2 Predictions & Preview — May 21, 2022
- jeannie albaredo
- May 20, 2022
- 8:36 am
- NBA
Dallas vs. GSW Game 2: The GSW will play Dallas in Game 2 at Chase Center on Friday night. After winning the series opener in a rout, the Dubs are 6.5-point favorites in the second game. Steph Curry had 21 points and 12 assists in the win, while Luka Doncic had 20 points on 18 shots and a slew of turnovers.
The Warriors enjoyed strong performances from Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney, and Dallas shot terribly from three (under 23 percent). The spread for Game 2 has shifted even more in Golden State’s favor, with the Warriors as short as -270 on the Moneyline.
Mavericks vs Warriors Game 2 Odds
|
Spread
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Moneyline
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Total Points
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|---|---|---|
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DALLAS +6.5 (-110)
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+220
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Over 214 (-110)
|
|
GSW -6.5 (-110)
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-270
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Under 214 (-110)
|
Warriors Defense Changes Things Up
In Game 1, Steve Kerr threw everything at Luka Doncic. There were various zones, hedges, switches, and box-and-ones on display from the initial tip. Andrew Wiggins played outstanding one-on-one defense against Doncic, resulting in a game-worst -30 plus/minus. It was precisely the effort the Dubs needed to capitalize on Dallas’ exhaustion following a complicated series against the Suns.
Doncic was exhausted at times, which isn’t surprising given his effort in the previous round. Despite this, the Warrior’s defense did everything to break his rhythm. Kerr had jumbled things up many times within minutes, never allowing Doncic to settle. There were a lot of moved shoots and a lot of turnovers.
Golden State, crucially, did not over-assist Doncic, allowing him to find open jumpers. On the other hand, the Dubs were fortunate, as Dallas was unusually calm from downtown. Only two threes were made by Maxi Kleber, Davis Bertans, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jalen Brunson combined. In Game 2, a rebound in perimeter shooting is predicted.
Getting Used to the Dubs Offense
Despite Klay Thompson having an unproductive first half, the Dubs made nearly 56 percent of their field goals. Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins combined for 13 of 22 shooting, while Otto Porter hit five of seven from the bench. If their role players perform at this level, the Warriors will be extremely difficult to beat.
The Mavericks’ defense struggled to keep up with the Warriors’ relentless mobility, contributing to their offensive success. As the Dallas defense was disoriented on cuts, handoffs, and screens, Looney and Draymond Green had easy shots around the rim. After the Suns’ systematic pick-and-roll strategy, playing this Warriors offense will require some adjustments.
Jason Kidd will recognize the need for adjustments, and he’s already demonstrated his ability to make mid-series adjustments this postseason. While the Mavericks won’t get much of a break with three games in a row, they should be more prepared to face the Warriors following Game 1.
Mavericks vs Warriors Game 2 Prediction
Dallas will make fewer mistakes than they did on Wednesday night. After seeing how the Warriors will try to slow him down, Doncic should be able to produce better looks for his teammates. Perhaps another day or two of relaxation will help the Mavs re-energize.
Another cold night from three is improbable after being one of the greatest three-point shooting teams in the postseason, hitting over 37 percent of their outside attempts. The Mavericks rely on three-point shooting, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they hit 40% or higher in Game 2.
These two teams are a lot closer than the Game 1 score indicated. For the Mavericks, almost everything went wrong, and the Warriors’ rest advantage played a role. We expect Doncic to improve in Game 2 and the Mavs to keep this game close.
Pick: Mavericks +6.5 (-110)
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