2011 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 1:Dallas Mavericks vs.
Oklahoma City ThunderMay 17, 2011 by Marc Jerbs

On Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks faces the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. Game time is set at 9:00PM ET. This opening game will be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.

Defending champs LA Lakers and top seed San Antonio Spurs were sent packing for the summer. Only two teams survived the tough and grueling match ups and that would be the Mavericks and Thunder.

This series has many subplots; the Mavericks have a lineup loaded with a lot of veteran players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler against the youthful Thunder. These veteran players have tons of playoff experience but their age may be a factor if the series would take the long route.

The Mavericks are well rested coming off from a 4-game sweep of the LA Lakers. This could be beneficial in the long run for the team but their playoff momentum might have subsided due to a long break. The Mavericks may start cold in Game 1 due to their long break and this could possibly benefit the Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is the new kid on the block in the Western Conference led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. This is their first trip in the Western Conference Finals. They are coming of a grueling 7-game series against the Grizzlies. Fatigue won't be an issue since they can easily regenerate, but playoff experience might be their worst adversary.

The sports book handicappers have installed the Dallas Mavericks a 6-point favorite to win and defeat the Oklahoma Thunder in Game 1. This match up have a potential shootout in the making, but the boring part may come in the first six minutes of Game 1.


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