Tag: dallas-mavericks

2024 NBA Finals Prediction

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The conference finals went faster than many expected. Dallas dominated Minnesota in five games while Boston swept Indiana. The Celtics lost only two games in three eastern conference matchups. Whoever wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It’s time to break down which franchise has the best chance of winning a championship and raising a banner in the NBA’s 77th season.

#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #1 Boston Celtics

Boston and Dallas quickly eliminated the young and inexperienced Pacers and Timberwolves in the conference finals. After not playing for at least a week, both teams will start a chess match of a championship series. While there are many similarities with the star duos and both head coaches are in their first finals, the Celtics and Mavericks differ in roster depth, veteran experience in previous finals appearances and the number of possible adjustments.

Both Dallas and Boston have great guard duos, but the Celtics can counter with their talent at center and forward.

Dallas extending this series depends on how well elite guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving perform. Forwards P.J. Washington and Maxi Kleber have to play their best series with how much depth and talent Boston has at center and forward. Coach Jason Kidd must decide early in the series which offensive matchups he likes best and how the Mavericks will capitalize on more scoring opportunities.

There couldn’t be more pressure on coach Joe Mazzulla to win this round. Boston has more than size and experience advantages. It’s possible we see Derrick White guarding Doncic and Jrue Holiday locking down Irving most of the series. Dallas center Daniel Gafford will struggle against Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford, no matter who starts. Last but not least, the Mavericks have no answer for the forward duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Boston’s roster depth makes this a fast series. Coach Jason Kidd is limited in moves and matchup changes before the Celtics inevitably tire Dallas’ younger roster and secure a comfortable finals victory.

Prediction: Boston Celtics defeat Dallas 4-1 and win their 18th Larry O’Brien Trophy

2024 total playoff predictions record: 10-4

2024 NBA Western Conference Final Prediction

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The remaining two teams in the west had a long and fun second round. Dallas and Minnesota were more committed and better coached than the star-studded teams in Denver and Oklahoma City. While the Mavericks are on a roll, there’s a lot of hype on the Timberwolves after they eliminated the defending champion Nuggets. One of these two teams must advance to the championship round. Time to break down which one has the best chance to represent the west in the finals.

#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #3 Minnesota Timberwolves

A new era of the NBA is upon us. Get ready for the Luka Doncic v. Anthony Edwards narratives. Both players aren’t just franchise stars, they’re new faces the NBA wants to see take over the game in and outside the U.S.

While Minnesota won the regular season series 3-1, the one loss came when guard Kyrie Irving (white) played for Dallas.

Both teams have great guard duos and two-way production from their centers at both ends of the court. Everyone wants to watch Mavericks point-guard Luka Doncic and shooting-guard Kyrie Irving take on Timberwolves point-guard Mike Conley and shooting guard Anthony Edwards for at least six games. The older Irving and Conley will have their hands full on defense while trying to facilitate and elevate their offenses. If Doncic and Edwards have low-scoring games, they still impact the players around them with their play-making and passing.

Minnesota has a slight advantage outside the guard positions. Power forward Karl-Anthony Towns stunned viewers out-performing improved Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon last series. The nine year veteran played well on offense and improved defensively against the Nuggets. Sixth man of the year Naz Reid plays better each round and Jaden McDaniels can be a thorn against any opponent. Dallas’ P.J. Washington has struggled in previous rounds while Derrick Jones Jr. will have a hard time with McDaniels alone. Coach Jason Kidd should adjust his forward depth by playing Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr. for longer stretches of time.

Both teams mirror each other from coaching to bench depth. To stay consistent with the other conference finals pick, it’s a better decision to go with the more determined, veteran team. Yes, Minnesota has the fundamentals to beat Dallas this series, but the Mavericks have more pressure to make the finals.

Prediction: Mavericks win the western conference and series 4-3

Western conference playoff picks record after two rounds: 3-3