2023 Playoffs Preview: Round 1 - DAL @ MIN

[Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst)]

#3 Minnesota Timberwolves (24-5) vs. #6 Dallas Mavericks (21-8)

The Timberwolves somehow end up as a 3 seed despite having likely the best roster top down in the league. The Mavericks had their best season since Kyle took over as GM, but face a really tough test in round 1. To add another wrinkle to this matchup, Drew and Kyle are good friends and even made a deadline deal. Everyone wants Kyle to knock the Timberwolves out so they don't have to face this juggernaut themselves, will KFH get the job done? Oh and to cap this summary off, probably the most impactful part of this matchup, the Mavericks have a 7 game advantage over the Timberwolves.

The Mavericks are one of the deeper teams in the league and have to be happy with how Jamal Murray and MPJ have performed this year post injury. There's a lot to like about this team, but I see a couple of risks going into this matchup. First and foremost is health - Murray and MPJ have still taken their fair share of time off this year which could minimize the benefit of a 4 game week. Hunter and Spida have also both missed time recently, though both seem to be back healthy now. The second risk is just the inconsistency of Kyle's younger players. JDub, OO, Stew, and Duarte have all shown flashes, but have also had rough stretches that could really put Kyle behind the 8 ball any week. The Mavericks are going to need their young players to play well to win this week.

We all know how good the Timberwolves are, but a couple weeks ago things were looking bleak when Haliburton joined AD on the sidelines and Adams went down a week after. Drew was aggressive going into the deadline and has built up some depth with Hali still on the shelf. To me the x-factor here is straight forward. Anthony Davis is a top 5 player in Bball26 when healthy. He has already been ruled out for Monday on the front end of a back to back and having him available and playing well for the rest of the 4 game week will be huge for Drew especially on a 2 game Jaylen Brown week.

Mavericks X-factor: The young players need to perform well this week to take advantage of more games
Timberwolves X-factor: Anthony Davis

Caleb's pick: Mavericks
Tyler's pick: Mavericks
Sarge's pick: Mavericks
Skip's pick: Timberwolves

[Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst)]

Minnesota Timberwolves are upset by the Dallas Mavericks 839-927.5

The Dallas Mavericks got a huge boost from Jamal Murray (146.5 points) en route to a first round upset of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves added reinforcements near the deadline, but couldn't come out on top even with the return of Tyrese Haliburton (114 points). Despite a lacklust week from Donovan Mitchell (74.5 points), the Mavericks showed how important depth is with 9 players topping 70 points ore more on the week. Minnesota will go into the offseason lamenting what could've been after another playoff exit.

The Mavericks go into round 2 to face the New Orleans Pelicans

Player of the Game: Jamal Murray - 146.5 points, 48.83 FPPG

Caleb's pick: Mavericks
Tyler's pick: Mavericks
Sarge's pick: Mavericks
Skip's pick: Timberwolves