The highly anticipated playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks promises to be a thrilling showdown filled with star power, strategic adjustments, and intense competition. With two of the top three MVP finalists, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, facing off, this series is destined to captivate basketball fans across the globe.

One key aspect to watch in this series is whether the Thunder can contain Luka Doncic. Despite boasting the fourth-best defense in the NBA this season, OKC lacks a clear one-on-one matchup for Doncic. Lu Dort is expected to take on the initial assignment, but Doncic's height advantage and ability to shoot over defenders could pose a significant challenge. The Thunder may need to double-team Doncic or rely on Chet Holmgren's rim protection to thwart his offensive prowess. Additionally, Dallas will have the sharpshooting Tim Hardaway Jr. back in action, adding another scoring threat to the mix.

Conversely, Dallas will need to focus on keeping the Thunder out of the paint. The absence of Maxi Kleber, who is out with a dislocated shoulder, could be a significant blow to the Mavericks' defensive game plan. Without Kleber, the Mavericks will rely heavily on their centers, such as Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II, to protect the paint. However, the Thunder's five-out offense, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, excels at driving to the rim. Dallas will need to defend the penetration effectively and prevent kick-outs to open shooters on the perimeter.

An intriguing statistic to monitor throughout the series will be the Thunder's fast break points. Oklahoma City showcased their prowess in transition during the first round of the playoffs, leading all teams in fast break opportunities. If they can maintain their breakneck pace and take advantage of a potential 5-on-4 situation when Doncic lingers back to dispute calls with referees, the Thunder could gain a significant advantage. Dallas, on the other hand, will look to shore up their transition defense and limit easy baskets in order to maintain control.

The playoff schedule is set to commence on Wednesday, May 7th, with Game One taking place at 9:30 ET in the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The matchup will be broadcasted on TNT, providing fans with a captivating viewing experience.

As for a prediction, this series is considered to be a coin-flip with both teams displaying immense talent. However, the Thunder are projected to emerge victorious in seven hard-fought games. Ultimately, the outcome of this series may hinge on the performances of role players who step up and contribute crucial plays on both ends of the court.

Basketball enthusiasts can expect a thrilling battle between the Thunder and Mavericks, where star power, tactical adjustments, and gritty performances will determine who advances to the Western Conference Finals.