Warriors vs. Mavs Western Conference Finals Game 3: Desperate Dallas to fall short at home in must-win game

After taking care of business at home against the Dallas Mavericks in the first two games of the Western Conference finals, the Golden State Warriors are two wins away from returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2019.

The series now shifts to Dallas, where the Dubs and Mavs will duel in Game 3 on Sunday night. It's desperation time for the home team, as a 3-0 deficit would all but seal their fate.

The Warriors would certainly love to wrap up this series as quickly as possible, but a split in Dallas will position them to be able to clinch a conference title at the Chase Center on Thursday.

After getting torched by 25 in Game 1, Dallas jumped on Golden State in Game 2 and led by 14 at halftime. But it was a completely different game in the second half, which saw the Mavs be outscored 68-45 in a 126-117 loss.

Will the Mavs have any answers for the Dubs at American Airlines Center? Things look rather ominous at the moment.

Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 3 Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Matchup: #3 Golden State Warriors vs. #4 Dallas Mavericks
• Venue & Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas, Texas)
• Date: Sunday, May 22, 2022
• Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. local time)
• How to Watch Warriors vs. Mavs Game 3: TN

Warriors vs. Mavs Odds

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline

• Spread: Golden State Warriors +2.5 (-106), Dallas Mavericks -2.5 (-114)
• Over/Under: OVER 218.5 (-110), UNDER 218.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Golden State Warriors +120, Dallas Mavericks -142

Bovada Sportsbook

• Spread: Golden State Warriors +2.5 (-110), Dallas Mavericks -2.5 (-110)
• Over/Under: OVER 218.5 (-110), UNDER 218.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Golden State Warriors +125, Dallas Mavericks -145

BetUS

• Spread: Golden State Warriors +2.5 (-110), Dallas Mavericks -2.5 (-110)
• Over/Under: OVER 218.5 (-110), UNDER 218.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Golden State Warriors +118, Dallas Mavericks -137

Ruthless Golden State to be Too Much for Dallas Yet Again?

Two of the hallmarks of the Warriors' run of success–or reign of terror, depending on which side you're on–are ruthlessness and a sense of inevitability.

Throughout this postseason, Golden State has shown multiple examples of that ruthlessness and inevitability that we have seen time and time again in the Steve Kerr era. Friday's comeback and second-half domination were the latest examples, as they took the Mavs' best shot and unleashed an onslaught that Dallas proved to be powerless to stop.

After making only 6 of 18 shots and scoring only 20 points in Game 1, Luka Doncic more than delivered in Game 2, making 12 of 23 from the field, including 5 of 10 from three, and 13 of 15 free throws in a 42-point, five-rebound, eight-assist night.

But just like LeBron James's extraordinary performances were not enough to prevent Golden State from brushing the Cleveland Cavaliers aside in the NBA Finals in 2017 and 2018, Doncic's best might do nothing more than get Dallas pick up a consolation win in this series.

The Mavs have played well at home in the playoffs, winning five in a row since losing Game 1 of their series against the Utah Jazz without an injured Doncic.

But can they channel that same gear that saw them destroy the Suns in Phoenix in their 33-point Game 7 win? Having the home crowd behind them will certainly help (or at least not hurt, at minimum), but their prospects look bleak ahead of Game 3.

Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 3 Prediction and Best Bets

Warriors vs. Mavs Prediction: Warriors 122, Mavs 115

Warriors vs. Mavs Best Bets: Warriors +2.5 (-106 at BetOnline) & OVER 218.5 (-110 at BetOnline, Bovada Sportsbook & BetUS)

It is understandable that the Mavs are favored for Sunday night's showdown, even though the Warriors are up 2-0 and look every bit the part of the NBA championship favorites. Dallas has been very good at home throughout the season, and they are less likely to fold at home.

But the Warriors, while capable of looking very mortal at times, aren't going to take their foot off of the accelerator even though they have a 2-0 lead. There is a lot of value in the moneyline here, but if you don't want to back at an outright win, the spread is a sound investment.

Best Prop Pick for Warriors vs. Mavs

• Luka Doncic over 33.5 points (-106 at BetOnline)

If the Mavs are to somehow get back into this series, they are going to need Doncic to continue to turn in more performances like he did in Game 2. It may well be in vain in the end, but look for another big night for Luka as he attempts to keep the Mavs in it.