Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds, prediction: 2024 NBA Western Conference finals Game 2 picks by proven model

Feb 1, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after a three point basket during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will attempt to avoid a two-game deficit in the 2024 Western Conference finals on Friday when they host the Dallas Mavericks in their best-of-seven series. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET from the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Mavericks drew first blood in the series by grinding out a 108-105 victory in a game that saw 10 second-half lead changes. Dallas overcame a five-point deficit in the fourth quarter before squandering a six-point lead. But behind 63 combined points from Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, they made enough plays down the stretch to seal the win.

Minnesota is a 5.5-point favorite and the over/under for total points scored is 207.5 in the latest Mavericks vs. Timberwolves odds from the SportsLine consensus. Before locking in any Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks in Game 2 of the 2024 Western Conference finals, make sure you see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven SportsLine Projection model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model entered the conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following the model has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has dialed in on Mavs vs. Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals and locked in its 2024 NBA playoff predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Timberwolves vs. Mavs:

• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks: Minnesota -5.5
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks over/under total points: 207.5
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks money line: Minnesota -213, Dallas +176
• DAL: The Mavericks are 39-23 against the spread when playing on equal rest as their opponent this season.
• MIN: The Timberwolves are 17-13 ATS when coming off a loss this season.
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Timberwolves can cover

The Timberwolves should have a sense of urgency in order to avoid a dreaded two-game home sweep to start the series. Road teams traditionally have a letdown after winning Game 1 on the road, and Minnesota should be ready to take advantage of any signs of lethargy from Dallas. Regardless, this Timberwolves club already has shown it can overcome adversity, as they did by turning a 2-0 series lead into a 3-2 deficit against the Denver Nuggets but still winning that second-round series.

Minnesota's top-ranked defense gave a respectable effort, holding the Mavericks to just 42.7% and 6-of-25 from 3-point range. But the Mavericks kept several possessions alive with second-chance opportunities and finished with a 48-40 rebounding advantage.

The Timberwolves appeared on the verge of blowing open the game at times in both halves, but Irving and Doncic did just enough to keep Dallas within striking distance. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards drew plenty of defensive attention but finished with a solid floor game that included 19 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Forward Jaden McDaniels had a team-high 24 points and made Dallas play for leaving him open by hitting six 3-pointers. See which team to pick here.

Why the Mavericks can cover

The Mavericks have shown in the 2024 NBA playoffs that they are not only capable of winning on the road but appear comfortable there. They are now 5-2 away from Dallas in the postseason and have won three consecutive playoff road games, including their series-clinching victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

It's no secret that a major portion of their success lies in the poise and playmaking abilities of Doncic and Irving, who have already proved to be a lethal postseason combination. Irving had 24 of his 30 points in the first half, repeatedly making plays to provide Dallas a working margin. For instance, his driving 3-point play at the first-half buzzer trimmed the deficit to three points at the intermission.

Doncic did most of his damage in the second half and finished with a game-high 33 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Forward P.J. Washington again delivered in the clutch despite an otherwise quiet offensive game. He delivered a corner 3-pointer with 1:56 left in the fourth quarter to give the Mavericks a 104-102 lead that they wouldn't squander. See which team to pick here.

How to make Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 209 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Game 2 of Mavericks vs. Timberwolves, and which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,800 on its NBA picks this season, and find out.