NBA Playoffs: When is Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 5?

A look at when to catch Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 5 in the 2016 NBA Playoffs

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks are on two different tiers in regards to their talent. Where the Mavericks rely on the likes of an aging Dirk Nowitzki to lead the way—particularly with Chandler Parsons out of the lineup—the Thunder in turn rely on two superstars in their primes with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook driving the ship. However, that doesn’t fully paint the picture for their first round series in the 2016 NBA Playoffs.

For one, the Mavericks have the advantage in regards to the coaching battle in the series between Dallas and OKC. Rick Carlisle has proven time and again to be a highly valuable commodity for Dallas in the regular season and the NBA Playoffs. Meanwhile, Billy Donovan is in his first season with the Thunder and the jury is still out on his effectiveness in coaching this team.

With the talent discrepancy being somewhat balanced by the coaching matchup, it’s unsurprising that the Mavericks were able to steal a close, hard-fought game on the road in Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, it’s equally unsurprising that the Thunder responded by going on the road to Dallas and winning both games on the road.

Now the series moves back to Oklahoma City with the Thunder up 3-1 in the series and having the chance to put things away in Game 5. As such, fans will surely want to be watching to see both if the Mavericks can survive or if the Thunder can advance to the second round.

To watch Game 5 between the Thunder and Mavericks in the NBA Playoffs, tune in to TNT on Monday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET as that’s when the coverage will begin for this crucial game for both teams.

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