Dallas (66-23 straight up, 45-42 against the spread) can take a commanding 3-1 series lead if it can win a third straight game against the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. The Mavericks get that chance tonight when these teams collide for a 9:35 p.m. Eastern tip-off on TNT.
Most sports books are listing the Mavs as two-point home favorites with a total of 190. Bettors can back San Antonio (68-23 SU, 43-46 ATS) to win outright for a plus-115 payout.
Dirk Nowitzki hit a pair of free throws with 7.9 seconds left and Dallas got a defensive stop to conserve a 104-103 win in Game 3. Although the Mavs won outright, the Spurs took the money as four-point underdogs. The 207 combined points catapulted 'over' the 188-point tally.
Nowitzki finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds, draining 21-of-24 shots from the charity stripe. Devin Harris was brilliant again, scoring 24 points after a 20-point outburst in Game 2. Three other Mavs went for double figures, including Jason Terry (19 points), Josh Howard (12) and Jerry Stackhouse (10).
Tim Duncan was sensational in the Game 3 defeat, scoring 35 points on 15-of-23 shooting from the floor. Duncan pulled down 12 rebounds, blocked a pair of shots and committed just one turnover. Manu Ginobli added 24 points and Tony Parker had 15.
"We're usually in a position where we're up after three games," Duncan told the Associated Press after Game 3. "But it is what it is. We're going to have to come out and know the importance of this game. It is a must-win for us."
San Antonio hasn't had much success when forced to come from behind in a series. In fact, the Spurs have never won a series when trailing 2-1 during Duncan's career.
Nowitzki will play tonight, but he might not be at full speed after twisting his ankle late in Game 3. Meanwhile, Keith Van Horn has returned to practice for the first time since breaking his hand on March 31. Nevertheless, he remains a question mark.
After the 'under' cashed in Game 1, this series has seen the 'over' hit in back-to-back games. The 'under' is 24-20 for the Mavs at home, but the 'over' is 22-20 for the Spurs on the road.
Most sports books are listing the Mavs as two-point home favorites with a total of 190. Bettors can back San Antonio (68-23 SU, 43-46 ATS) to win outright for a plus-115 payout.
Dirk Nowitzki hit a pair of free throws with 7.9 seconds left and Dallas got a defensive stop to conserve a 104-103 win in Game 3. Although the Mavs won outright, the Spurs took the money as four-point underdogs. The 207 combined points catapulted 'over' the 188-point tally.
Nowitzki finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds, draining 21-of-24 shots from the charity stripe. Devin Harris was brilliant again, scoring 24 points after a 20-point outburst in Game 2. Three other Mavs went for double figures, including Jason Terry (19 points), Josh Howard (12) and Jerry Stackhouse (10).
Tim Duncan was sensational in the Game 3 defeat, scoring 35 points on 15-of-23 shooting from the floor. Duncan pulled down 12 rebounds, blocked a pair of shots and committed just one turnover. Manu Ginobli added 24 points and Tony Parker had 15.
"We're usually in a position where we're up after three games," Duncan told the Associated Press after Game 3. "But it is what it is. We're going to have to come out and know the importance of this game. It is a must-win for us."
San Antonio hasn't had much success when forced to come from behind in a series. In fact, the Spurs have never won a series when trailing 2-1 during Duncan's career.
Nowitzki will play tonight, but he might not be at full speed after twisting his ankle late in Game 3. Meanwhile, Keith Van Horn has returned to practice for the first time since breaking his hand on March 31. Nevertheless, he remains a question mark.
After the 'under' cashed in Game 1, this series has seen the 'over' hit in back-to-back games. The 'under' is 24-20 for the Mavs at home, but the 'over' is 22-20 for the Spurs on the road.