Minnesota at Dallas

Minnesota has the sixth-best scoring differential (+2.1) in the Western Conference. They have big bodies up front in Rudy Gobert (10.6 rpg) and Julius Randle (20 ppg, 6.9 rpg) on a defense that is fourth in the NBA in points allowed, ninth in shooting allowed, and sixth at defending the 3-pointer. They're a strong free-throw shooting team (11th at 78.8%). This is just the third time they've been an underdog. Dallas ranks 25th in the NBA from the charity stripe. Luka Doncic returned to the lineup in the last game after missing two straight with a heel contusion. Counting last year's playoff series between these teams, the underdog has covered seven of the last nine meetings. Play Minnesota.