Minnesota and Dallas both have creators who can change a close game after halftime. The key is which side finds another scorer and completes the defensive possession after that first run. Phoenix and Charlotte pose a similar question from the perimeter and the glass. Charlotte can create extra chances inside, while Phoenix's offense can send the next pass to several different shooters.
Dallas has already recovered from a halftime deficit through Flagg and Irving, with Washington able to punish help from outside. Minnesota can meet that surge with McDaniels and Kuminga on the wings and Gobert at the rim, then look to Ball and Dosunmu for the next score. Ball led late responses against Houston and New Orleans with support from the other finishers. Edwards and DiVincenzo remain out but missed Minnesota's last game, so those responses came from the current group; Dallas's Johnson is probable after missing its last game. I expect Minnesota to keep enough scoring and defensive rebounding for the final possessions. That's why I'm siding with Minnesota to beat Dallas.
Charlotte's White can find Allen outside and Reid inside, while Kalkbrenner and a probable Diabaté give it a strong rebounding route against Phoenix's Ighodaro and Maluach. Phoenix should start with Booker creating the first opening, then use Green, Gillespie and Kennard when Charlotte shifts toward him. Miller, Knueppel and Schröder remain out after also missing Charlotte's last game; Goodwin returned for Phoenix in its last game and adds another available perimeter option. Charlotte's big shooting night against Cleveland was followed by a quiet final quarter, whereas Phoenix has several ways to finish the next possession and close out a miss. That's why I'm siding with Phoenix to beat Charlotte.
