The Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Mavericks, the top seed, find themselves trailing 2-1 in their second-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks. After suffering their first two playoff losses of 2024 in Games 2 and 3, the Thunder will attempt to even the series in Game 4, which takes place on Monday night in Dallas.
Key Questions and Player Performance
A major question for the Thunder is how their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), will respond. SGA has been performing at an MVP level, averaging 31 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in the series. Despite his stellar play, the Mavericks have managed to secure wins in the last two games.
There is also speculation about a potential lineup change for the Thunder, specifically whether guard Josh Giddey might be moved to the bench. Giddey struggled in Game 2, where he posted a minus-20 and has only played 41 minutes across the three games.
For the Mavericks, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years is within reach. Luka Doncic, despite dealing with ankle and knee injuries, has led his team with an average of 23.3 points per game. The emergence of P.J. Washington as a crucial third scorer behind Doncic and Kyrie Irving has been significant for Dallas. Washington, acquired midseason from the Hornets, has averaged 12.9 points per game in the regular season but has exploded for 58 points combined in the last two games against OKC, hitting 12 of his 23 three-point attempts.
Viewing Information
Game 4: Thunder vs. Mavericks
- Date: Monday, May 13
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- TV Channel: TNT
- Streaming: Watch TNT, Max
Series Schedule and Scores
- Game 1: Thunder 117, Mavericks 95 — Oklahoma City leads 1-0
- Game 2: Mavericks 119, Thunder 110 — Series tied 1-1
- Game 3: Mavericks 105, Thunder 101 — Dallas leads 2-1
- Game 4: Monday, May 13 — Thunder at Mavericks, 9:30 p.m., TNT
- Game 5: Wednesday, May 15 — Mavericks at Thunder, TBD, TNT
- Game 6: Saturday, May 18 — Thunder at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m., ESPN*
- Game 7: Monday, May 20 — Mavericks at Thunder, 8:30 p.m., TNT*
Storylines and Predictions
P.J. Washington has emerged as a pivotal player in this series for the Mavericks. His timely scoring has complemented the efforts of Doncic and Irving, especially with Doncic not at full strength. Washington’s contribution has been critical in both Dallas victories.
As for predictions, the odds entering Game 4 favor the Mavericks at -195, with the Thunder at +165. The outcome hinges on whether the Thunder can adjust to Washington’s impact and tighten their defense. Should they succeed in containing him, the Thunder have a strong chance to even the series. However, if Washington continues his high-level performance without significant adjustments from OKC, Dallas could extend their series lead.
Prediction: Thunder (-110)
This pivotal Game 4 will determine whether the Thunder can regain their footing or if the Mavericks will move closer to the Western Conference Finals.
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