Dallas Mavericks OKC Thunder Preview

Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Co. are slated to face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

A river, a straight shot down I-35 and rooted history are all that separates the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. It is also all that stands in the way of the next great NBA Rivalry brewing in the Southwest.

Dec 2 One game was before the new additions of Gafford and Washington, and dallas was on a b2b (126-120 OKC WIN.)

Feb. 10: Mavericks 146, Thunder 111

And A OKC WIN IN March - Luka didn't play and it was a close physical 126-119 win

and the last game of the season the mavs didn't suit up pretty much.

The physicality and defense that Mavericks are playing at along with 2 of the best scorers ever who seem to be building quite a brotherhood and cohesivity together. Jones, Washington, Gafford, Kleber. They have some big and I think are the biggest threat to the Nuggets and Jokic

I have not watched much games of OKC this year , they had a great season and earned the # 1 seed, and see they made quick work in the first round of the Pelicans. Shai has been playing at an MVP level, and him and Chet even have their own commercial.

The hometown crowd small market is very much a factor and big boost for them at home..

However, this is still a very young team and whole different animal is coming to town Tuesday . 

I think Dallas is really gelling, and I like how Luka and Irving are playing and figuring out how to play together. Irving is such a talent and joy to watch. Luka is a little banged up and off on his 3's right now.. but Kyrie just takes over when needed as the best ball handler I've ever seen.

Mavericks + 111

Okc            - 131

I'm leaning Mavs. This will be the beginning of a match-up we will see for many years. Kyrie Irving is 13-0 in series clinching games and I am feeling them to take their spot in the conference finals to match up with the juggernaut Jokic Murray Nuggs

When I drive in to Vegas Tuesday morning I expect the plus money to be long gone on the Mavericks. The series line will be -110 each way.

The mavericks will run with the youngsters and teach then a lesson 

Should be a tough series - Lean Thunder 

The Mavs size and ability to run with OKC will be a problem for the Thunder.  - Lean Mavs

Love Mavs here . OKC great future ahead , but a little to young for this moment 

Mavs are clicking on all cylinders!!!

Gafford & PJ Washington trade was trade of the year… IMO!

Thunder cannot stop Luka and Kyrie!

Mavs in 5!!!

Let’s go Mavs!!! 

Great write-up this is what I'm looking for in this forum

Don’t sleep on this thunder team . They are 1 seed in the west for a reason. If Dallas can get a healthy Hardaway Jr. back I love there chances. Dallas beat a clippers team with their best player playing hurt. 

you may say the thunder are young and Irving and doncic is learning to play together, but the thunder are playing as a while team. They are 4th in defense rating and 3rd in offense. Can't overlook thats

@SPark1

 Those are some solid numbers have to respect that. But Dallas defense and size along with kyries ball handling and Lukas playmaking with pace is going to be a handful for OKC IMHO. 

@ThisIsAnfield

   try to bring some value to the forum I enjoyed for many years and get a good discussion  going 

Dallas has never had as good of a team around Luka, as they do now. 

Lukahas never been in as good as shape as he is now. (Weight wise) the knee is an issue and he is off on his 3 s but he still is making all the right plays and putting up 30 a night and playing with great effort on defense and pushing the pace 

Being on this side of the bracket and okc is respectably a bit weaker and  younger then most past  # 1 seeds with not t

I like all the match-ups for Dallas players and the experience factor.  Kyrie has been unreal to watch in 4th quarters and they are all comfortable playing together 

Dallas is lined up for a match with Denver. 

@NoFlyZone

 I am not sure what the line started for series vs Clippers . I am sure I didn't get the best of the number at -140 . I won't be going into town till Tuesday so I won't get the best number this time either

But hopefully I can get a couple more winning tickets to cash in a few weeks 

Could we get a few nuggets and read from Mr Bator possibly ? 

Hardway out I didn't mind. Just realized Maxi Kleber is out for series. He hit some really big 3 pointers for them Last series. I think that is a huge loss for Dallas

Series line is holding steady so far

I think the notion of OKC being "young" is what fuels them more because most folks believe they don't deserver that #1 spot. This might be fueling this 'kids' more to prove doubters that they are as legit as anyone in the west. Being #1 is not a fluke. People forget how Kyrie and Luca can't really defend either, being bailed out by teammates the whole series vs clips. Luca played a little better defense yes, but this is not an old PG or Harden anymore, this is SGA Holmgreen and Jalen. Interesting series. But Kleber missing out the entire series is a big loss. I lean OKC in this series to continue validating themselves when everyone is saying they are inexperienced, young, and have no playoff hours yet in their careers.