Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center

Oklahoma City finished off Memphis in seven games of their Western Conference Semifinals series and now faces Dallas for a trip to the NBA Finals. "We have a young, energetic, athletic team that loves to play and wants to play every night," said coach Scott Brooks. "We're excited about being in the position that we are in." The Thunder are set to appear in the Western Conference Finals just two years after finishing the 2008-09 season with a record of 23-59. The team will need to dig deep in the first game tonight, especially considering that Dallas last played nine days ago when closing out the Lakers in four games. Oklahoma City is 17-12 ATS as an underdog this season and 77-54 ATS when getting points the last three years.

The Thunder arrive at this point thanks to a 105-90 home victory and 39 points from All-Star forward Kevin Durant. Oklahoma City will need to make a major adjustment on the defensive end in facing a different style of team in this series, after hammering it out inside the paint against Memphis. Brooks will need to instruct his players to defend the perimeter after watching tape of the Mavericks knocking down three pointers at will against the Lakers. The biggest defensive assignment in this series will be Thunder forward Serge Ibaka matching up with Mavericks start Dirk Nowitzki.

Dallas has enjoyed quite a vacation from the court and may be discouraged from learning that teams that have gone at least nine days between series are 9-9 in Game 1s in the shot clock era. The Mavericks are 5-3 all-time in best-of-seven series when they win Game 1 compared to 5-10 when they drop the first contest. The team will have a decided advantage in experience on the court, relying on seven players in their 30s. "I like what we've done and I know guys are ready to play," said coach Rick Carlisle. He has enjoyed success leading teams in opening games of a playoff series, posting an 11-5 record. Dallas is 10-0 ATS in the playoffs this season.

The Mavericks took the first two meetings at Oklahoma City this season, but the Thunder avoided the sweep by winning the final matchup in Dallas on January 6. Dallas out-rebounded Oklahoma City 139-120, while averaging 103 points per game and allowing just 98.3. Bench play is likely to play a major factor in determining the winner in this series, which could prove to be a huge edge in the Mavericks favor. The unit has averaged 40.5 points during the postseason.

Bettors will likely back the Thunder due to their 10-4-1 ATS mark on the road, while the Mavericks are 3-9-1 ATS the last 13 meetings
 

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