In a highly anticipated matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, predictions for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals are rolling in. Despite the Mavericks stealing a victory on the road in Game 2, analysts believe that the Thunder will shine once again and take the lead in the series.

The Thunder displayed dominance in the series opener, securing a convincing 22-point win over the Mavericks. Although the Mavericks bounced back with a 119-110 victory in Game 2, experts are skeptical about their ability to replicate that success in Game 3.

One crucial aspect taken into consideration is the Mavericks' impressive performance from beyond the arc in Game 2. They made an astounding 18 three-pointers out of 37 attempts, shooting at a remarkable 48.6%. However, it is worth noting that their three-point shooting during the regular season was not as impressive, with a 36.7% success rate. The Thunder, known for their solid defense against three-pointers, are expected to step up their game and limit the Mavericks' long-range success.

Despite the Thunder's defensive lapses in Game 2, they are renowned for their defensive prowess. The team finished the regular season with the fourth-best defensive rating in the NBA and has been the strongest defensive unit in the playoffs. With their length, quickness, and defensive tenacity, experts expect the Thunder to tighten up their defense and pose a significant challenge for the Mavericks' offense.

While the Mavericks have an efficient offense led by Luka Doncic, who is known for his triple-doubles, their overall defensive rating during the regular season was lackluster, ranking 18th in the league. This discrepancy in defensive strength is believed to be the biggest difference between the two teams heading into Game 3. Experts also note that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the rising star for the Thunder, has a well-rounded supporting cast compared to Doncic's teammates.

One weakness for both teams lies in their rebounding performance. The Thunder currently sit at the 28th spot in the league in rebound rate, while the Mavericks are just two spots ahead of them. However, experts agree that the Thunder's superior defense will compensate for their deficiencies on the boards, preventing the Mavericks from capitalizing on this weakness.

As the game approaches, predictions indicate that the Thunder, with their stronger defensive capabilities, are favored to bounce back and secure a victory in Game 3. The odds further support this notion, with the Thunder being backed as the preferred choice for the game.

In terms of individual player performance, P.J. Washington is expected to have another heavy workload for the Mavericks. Although his shooting efficiency is likely to regress from his career-high performance in Game 2, experts predict that he will continue to excel in rebounding. With increased minutes and favorable matchups against the Thunder's weak rebounding lineup, Washington is anticipated to surpass the over/under line of 6.5 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is known for his ability to take care of the ball. Despite his high usage rate, he consistently maintains low turnover numbers. Experts predict that he will continue this trend against the Mavericks, who do not aggressively force turnovers.

With all these factors taken into account, the Thunder vs Mavericks Game 3 promises to be an exciting clash. Can the Thunder's defensive prowess prevail, or will the Mavericks defy expectations once again? Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this competitive matchup.