Will Mavs' offense break through in Game 5?
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After a 3-0 Tuesday, let's build on another two-game playoff slate. Depending on how certain series play out, this could be the final two-game slate of the NBA season - so enjoy it!
Here are our Wednesday bets bets.
Mavericks team total: Over 104.5
The Mavericks had plenty of chances to win Game 4, but offensive stagnation and disappointing performances from their stars led to a blown lead.
Dallas needs to brush off the loss quickly for a pivotal Game 5. Teams that win Game 5 when the series is tied 2-2 win the series 83% of the time.
In their two wins, the Mavs scored at least 105 points. The Thunder's stout defense deserves credit, but Dallas' offensive woes are more about Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's struggles. Doncic is hurt, leading to inefficient shooting. Irving has disappeared as a scorer too often. Both need to be more aggressive and efficient.
Dallas shot 52% from the free-throw line in Game 5. They left 11 points at the charity stripe. That won't happen again.
Odds: -115
Al Horford: Under 18.5 PRA
Horford's played a greater role for the Celtics since Kristaps Porzingis went down with an injury. The increased workload has taken a toll on the soon-to-be 38-year-old's body.
He's visibly exhausted for stretches, impacting his play on both ends. The Cavaliers have found success targeting Horford defensively by having his man set screens and forcing him into pick-and-roll action.
Horford has scored a combined eight points in the last two games and is 0-for-10 from three. Luke Kornet has earned backup center minutes behind Horford. Boston likes to have five shooters on the floor at all times, so it elects to play Horford for extended minutes. That adds to his fatigue and hinders his ability to consistently score.
Horford's struggles will continue as the Celtics attempt to advance to the conference finals.
Odds: -125
Daniel Gafford: Over 6.5 rebounds
Gafford has been a welcome addition to the Mavs, boosting their rebounding and rim protection. He has 10 blocks through four games against the Thunder.
But Gafford's been most impactful on the glass. The Thunder's glaring weakness is their poor rebounding as an undersized group. The Mavs' game plan has been to exploit that and control rebounds. While they've had varying degrees of success, Gafford has done his job on the boards in 24 minutes per game. He's averaging 7.8 rebounds and has grabbed at least seven in three of the four games.
Odds: -120
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.