In the Western Conference first round portion of the playoffs, the field is heating up with two big series already underway. Here, SBS will break down what to look for from each team and who will prevail in game three of each series on Thursday night. In our first contest breakdown, the Mavericks head to Utah for a pivotal game three with the Jazz in a deadlocked 1-1 series. After that, the Warriors will also hit the road to Denver where the Nuggets are trying to fend off a potential 3-0 Golden State advantage.
As always, SBS has your back with an expert breakdown below of what makes each team stand out and who will win in each battle.
| NBA Playoffs Picks (Western) | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies | Grizzlies -6.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Pelicans vs. Suns | Suns ML | -280 | -280 | -280 |
What to look for from: The Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are coming off a triumphant victory in game two of this series, even without injured superstar Luka Doncic. Behind an outstanding 41-point showcase from point guard Jalen Brunson, Dallas was able to hold off the Jazz at home with a 10-point advantage in the fourth quarter of game two. Thanks to a barrage of three-pointers in the game (22), the Mavs were able to outgun Utah thanks also to a 46.1% to 37.9% three-point field goal advantage. With Doncic’s status for game three still uncertain, Dallas needs more of the same from its cagey roster.
What to look for from: The Utah Jazz
Even though they dropped game two in Dallas, the Jazz still have some good things going for them as they head back home. The Jazz’s star duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert performed well in game one, especially the former with Mitchell going off for 34 points in the game. Though the duo’s relationship has been described as rocky at times this season, Utah still won almost 50 games this year. However, they both will need to shore up their plus/minus marks in game three with both turning in negative numbers (-14 for Mitchell and -10 for Gobert).
Prediction: After splitting their regular season contests, the Jazz and Mavericks are again at an impasse. However, Utah has not to lost to Dallas at home at all this year so look for things to continue in Salt Lake City.
What to look for from: The Golden State Warriors
In a return to mid-2010’s form for the Warriors, Golden State is rolling at this point coming off back-to-back double-digit victories over the Nuggets. Though each contest was at home in the Bay Area, the Warriors were still able completely pull away from Denver, especially in game two where Golden State won by 20, 126-106. A very talented squad, the Warriors are benefiting from the healthy return of their three superstar players – Steph Curry (34 points in game two), Klay Thompson (21 points) and Draymond Green (+20 plus/minus in game two).
What to look for from: The Denver Nuggets
Coming off another contest against Golden State, the Nuggets are hoping to turn things around at home. Though they outrebounded the Warriors by a pretty healthy margin of 47 to 35, Denver was unable to keep up with the onslaught of scoring from the healthy Warriors. Even though superstar center and potential MVP front-runner Nikola Jokic did his best to ward off Golden State, his 26 points were not enough. This is mainly because the rest of his squad were unable to chip in enough points (no other player scored more than 12 points) to pull past the depth-laden Warriors.
Prediction: Look for this contest to be a closer one than games one and two, but anticipate the same result with Golden State taking game three on the road.
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About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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