Data Driven NBA play for Sunday: Dallas Mavericks

At Professionalsportspicks we see a future where those handicapping sports without advanced analytics and data-driven strategies will be left behind.

Our data-driven picks use data integration, search and discovery, and knowledge management along with collaboration with our in-house handicappers. By isolating relevant trends, removing human biases, and targeting only lines with a positive expected value above a certain threshold, our data-driven picks promise to outperform any and all human competitors.

Our models suggest that the value is on Dallas to cover the first-half spread in Game 3 of their Western Conference Finals series against Golden State. The Mavs started the last game really well and held a 72-58 lead at halftime. They've been fast starters all playoffs, coming into this game 10-5 in first-half spreads for the playoffs. The Warriors' record is 5-8.

Our models also suggest that Dallas will win the game. Down 2-0 in the series, this is not a game the Mavs can afford to lose. The Warriors have shot 50%+ from the field in each of the first two games, but they're unlikely to be able to keep that up, especially as they'll now be on the road. The Warriors are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Dallas.