The Oklahoman

OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks: Picks, odds for playoff series

- Justin Martinez

The 1-seeded OKC Thunder will face the No. 5 Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in OKC (TNT). The Thunder won the regular-season series, 3-1.

OKC advanced past the first round with a sweep of the No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans. Dallas advanced with a 4-2 win over the No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers.

Here's a look at how the secondroun­d matchup is projected to play out:

The Oklahoman: OKC, 4-3

Justin Martinez writes: "Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are lethal on offense, and Dallas' defense has improved significantly since it added Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline. Still, I'm giving OKC the edge. Lu Dort will at least make life difficult for Doncic, and Chet Holmgren will prevent any finishes in the paint. Then there's the scoring duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, which will put Dallas' improved rim protection to the test. OKC is also deeper, and it has a head coaching advantage with Mark Daigneault. Give me the Thunder."

DraftKings: OKC (-140) is the favorite to win the second-round playoff series vs Dallas

OKC is a -140 favorite to beat Dallas in the second round of the playoffs.

• Series winner: OKC -140 | Dallas +120

• Win in 4: OKC +900 | Dallas +1300

• Win in 5: OKC +450 | Dallas +900

• Win in 6: OKC +550 | Dallas +400

• Win in 7: OKC +340 | Dallas +650

BetMGM: OKC (-3.5) is favored to beat Dallas in Game 1

OKC is a 3.5-point favorite to win Game 1 on Tuesday.

• Over/under: 214.5

• Moneyline: OKC -160 | Dallas +135

ESPN: OKC has a 63.3% chance to beat Dallas in Game 1

ESPN gives OKC a 63.3% chance to beat Dallas in Game 1 on Tuesday.

OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks NBA playoff series schedule

• Game 1: 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in OKC (TNT)

• Game 2: 8:30 p.m. Thursday in OKC (ESPN)

• Game 3: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11, in Dallas (ABC)

• Game 4: 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 13, in Dallas (TNT)

• Game 5 (if necessary): TBD Wednesday, May 15, in OKC (TNT)

• Game 6 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in Dallas (ESPN)

• Game 7 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, in OKC (TNT)

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