2024 NBA Western Conference finals odds, Game 3 time: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks picks, expert predictions

The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves square off in a pivotal Game 3 showdown of the 2024 Western Conference finals on Sunday evening. This is a crucial contest for the Timberwolves as they look to avoid going down 0-3 in the series. Dallas has gone 4-2 at home in the 2024 NBA playoffs, while Minnesota is 5-1 on the road in the postseason. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mavericks are 1.5-point favorites in the latest Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 207.5. Before making any Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks, be sure to check out what legendary handicapper Bruce Marshall has to say.

An in-demand guest on numerous sports talk radio and TV shows across the country, Marshall’s vast array of editorial work has been featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the New York Post and many other outlets. He has won various handicapping titles and also is working on several book projects. Marshall has crushed his NBA picks this season for SportsLine members, entering this matchup on a 193-142 run that has returned more than $3,700 for $100 players. Anybody following is way up.

Now, he has set his sights on Mavericks vs. Timberwolves and locked in his picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Timberwolves vs. Mavericks:

• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks spread: Mavs -1.5
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks over/under: 207.5 points 
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks money line: Dallas -120, Minnesota +100
• MIN: The Timberwolves are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games 
• DAL: The Mavericks are 5-2 ATS in their past seven games 
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Mavericks can cover

Guard Luka Doncic has been a difference-maker all over the floor for the Mavericks. Doncic has a smooth jumper to score from any spot on the court. The five-time All-Star also does damage as a facilitator, threading the needle with ease. He leads the team in scoring (28), rebounds (9.4), and assists (9.3) in the 2024 NBA playoffs. In the Game 2 win, Doncic dropped a triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Center Daniel Gafford is making his presence felt in the interior. Gafford has hovered around the rim for alley-oops while being a high-energy defender. The 25-year-old puts up 9.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. He’s finished with double-digit points in back-to-back games. In his last outing, Gafford notched 16 points, five boards, and five blocks. See which team to pick here.

Why the Timberwolves can cover 

Forward Karl-Anthony Towns has the ability to score in the low post, score on the perimeter, and be an asset on the glass. Towns can knock down jumpers while playing with high energy on the defensive end. The four-time All-Star records 18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in the postseason. He had 15 points and seven boards in his last game. 

Forward Jaden McDaniels is a smooth two-way threat in the frontcourt. McDaniels has been a solid spot-up shooter who plays suffocating defense. The Washington product stands at 6’9 and uses his length to be a disruptive defender and alter shots. In the 2024 NBA playoffs, McDaniels averages 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. In Game 1, McDaniels totaled 24 points, four boards, and made six 3-pointers. See which team to pick here.

How to make Mavericks vs. Timberwolves picks

Marshall is leaning Under on the point total. He has also identified a critical X-factor that makes one side of the spread a must-back. He’s only sharing what it is, and which side to back, at SportsLine. 

So who wins Timberwolves vs. Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, and which side of the spread is a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Mavericks vs. Timberwolves spread to jump on, all from the expert who has returned more than $3,700 on his NBA picks this season, and find out.