The Western Conference Finals seemed to be done and dusted earlier this week with the Dallas Mavericks firmly in control with a 3-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Then, Dereck Lively II was lost with a scary-looking injury to his neck and Minnesota found its defense again and rode it to a big Game 4 win to get back into the series.

(Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

With questions abound regarding the health of Lively, and the Timberwolves heading home, this series has gotten just a bit more interesting. Minnesota will enter as a favorite in Game 5 and has the opportunity to grab a much-needed foothold in this series to push for a decider in Dallas.

Can the Timberwolves replicate their success from Game 4 and keep this series alive?

FanDuel

4.5/5

Use FanDuel Promo on Mavericks @ Timberwolves match: Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets

• User-friendly mobile app & website
• Low cost spreads
• Highly competitive odds

–

–

Let's get into to the best way to bet on Timberwolves vs Mavericks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday.

Check out our page on the best NBA betting sites to get some guidance NBA betting and where to put your wagers.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES FANDUEL ODDS FOR MAY 30th

MONEY LINE

• DALLAS MAVERICKS: +164
• MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: -196

SPREAD

• DALLAS MAVERICKS: +4.5 (-108)
• MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: +4.5 (-112)

OVER/UNDER (TOTAL)

• OVER 210 (-110)
• UNDER 210 (-110)

BEST ODDS FOR DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

• The best odds on the Dallas Mavericks can be found at FanDuel, who are offering Mavericks +4.5 (-108)

FanDuel

4.5/5

Use FanDuel Promo on Mavericks VS Timberwolves: Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets

• User-friendly mobile app & website
• Low cost spreads
• Highly competitive odds

–

–

• You'll find the best odds on the Minnesota Timberwolves over at Caesars, who have Timberwolves -4.5 (-105).

• The best spot to bet the Over is at DraftKings, who have Over 209.5 (-112). The best book for the Under is Caesars, who has Under 210 (-105).

DraftKings

4.5/5

Use DraftKings No Sweat Bet Promo on Mavericks VS Timberwolves match: Get up to $1,000 Bonus Bets

• Great range of different sports leagues
• Optimal in-play betting features
• Easy to use app with fast payouts

–

–

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES INJURY REPORT

DALLAS MAVERICKS INJURY REPORT

• LUKA DONCIC - QUESTIONABLE - KNEE, ANKLE
• DERECK LIVELY - QUESTIONABLE - NECK

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES INJURY REPORT INJURY REPORT

• MIKE CONLEY - QUESTIONABLE - CALF

WHY DALLAS MAVERICKS WILL COVER THE SPREAD

Well, let's focus on the good from Game 4 which is the fact that the Mavericks knocked down 35% of their ridiculous 40 shots from 3. When Lively was lost with an injury, the 3-pointer became the preferred method of scoring for Dallas -- something that carried them to great heights for most of the regular season.

Considering the Timberwolves have defended the 3 with excellence, and the Mavericks have struggled for parts of the playoffs from outside, this has to be seen as a win. Dallas is now hitting from a spicy 37.3% from 3 on the road these playoffs and should have a discernable way in here if Lively is indeed out for this contest.

While some of the interior scoring was lost with Lively's injury, sending the Mavericks' Offensive Rating crashing down to 107.5 in that game, the defense still did a bang-up job inside as it has all postseason long, with Daniel Gafford leading the charge and helping the Mavericks post their second-best defensive performance of the series.

If you're looking for some hope here, you'll want to focus on the palatable shooting and continued excellence in stopping the Timberwolves.

WHY MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES?WILL COVER THE SPREAD

It's pretty apparent that the injury to Lively completely changed Game 4, and if he's to miss some time it'll change the series as a whole. Minnesota was unable to stop Dallas' interior attack through three games, but put forth their best defensive showing of the series and their fourth-best in the last 13 games.

The Timberwolves have been incredible at defending the rim all year and it may simply take an injury to get back to what they do best.

Gafford has been able to keep things level on the defensive end, but offensively this Mavericks team is nowhere close to where it was a week ago if it can't score inside.

Minnesota also continues to devastate from 3. After heading backwards in Game 3 by hitting just 30% of its looks, it knocked down a series-high 45.8% of shots from outside and is now close to 40% for the proceedings.

Dallas has been abysmal at defending the arc all year, and that's carried into the playoffs. That may be the biggest key here, the battle around the arc is incredibly winnable.

FINAL MAVERICKS-TIMBERWOLVES PICK & PREDICTION

The Mavericks are absolutely in trouble here if Lively is going to miss another game. He's been upgraded to questionable for this contest, but with the nature of the series Dallas may elect to take it easy with possibly its second-most important player.

Even with Lively playing for Dallas, Minnesota should still continue to shoot well from outside and I'd also point out that the Timberwolves have been able to win the rebounding battle in two of the last three contests.

In what could be a very defensive battle, that will also play a role in dictating the outcome here.

I expect another hot shooting night with Karl-Anthony Towns beginning to pick up his play, and with a head of steam at home and some improvements inside, Minnesota should be able to retain control of the game and move us ever so closer to a Game 7.

FINAL MAVERICKS-TIMBERWOLVES PICK & PREDICTION: MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES -4.5 (-105)

Check our FanDuel sportsbook review to find out more about FanDuel's rating, bonuses, betting margins, and other helpful details.