NBA veteran makes bold prediction for Mavericks' chances against Timberwolves

After taking a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas Mavericks now find themselves on the losing end for the first time in over two weeks. With Minnesota's series-defining Game 4 victory, Dallas narrowly holds onto a 3-1 series lead. If the Mavericks can win one more game in the next three, they will head to their first NBA Finals in over 10 years.

Several reasons led to the Mavericks' downfall in their potential series-clinching Game 4 loss. One reason Dallas failed to counter the Timberwolves' best punch was the loss of Dereck Lively II after a scary collision in Game 3 kept him out with a neck sprain. Fortunately for Mavericks fans, Lively II is on pace to potentially make a return by Thursday night as he is listed as questionable.

Moreover, Mavericks star point guard Kyrie Irving failed to show up after making bold comments before tip-off. Irving managed to shoot a playoff-low 6-18 from the field and had a crucial turnover with seconds left in the game.

Jamal Crawford predicts Mavericks to beat Timberwolves

Despite losing on the biggest stage, some fans still feel confident about the Mavericks' odds of advancing to the NBA Finals. Former NBA veteran and three-time NBA Six-Man Of The Year award winner Jamal Crawford feels confident about the Mavericks' ability to close this series out.

On ESPN's show "The Pat McAfee Show" Crawford said confidently "It won't go seven, Dallas will end this" when asked about how he feels regarding the Timberwolves' odds to extend this series. Crawford went on to mention several reasons why Dallas will regain the momentum in this series including how the loss of Lively II affected Dallas.

With Lively II returning as soon as Game 5, Crawford feels confident about the Mavericks' ability to end the Timberwolves' season on Thursday night in Minnesota. Crawford recently joined TNT's crew as a broadcaster earlier this season, he also spent 21 years in the league and got to witness both Kyrie Irving's rise and Luka Doncic's rookie season as a player.

Crawford has seen his fair share of basketball despite not winning a championship as a player. For someone of Crawford's expertise to feel confident about the Mavericks' odds to advance to the NBA Finals even after losing a potential series-clinching game is huge for Dallas.

Historically teams are 155-0 when taking a 3-0 series lead and Crawford understands that if Dallas gets Lively II back in the coming days, and Doncic and Irving have an efficient game, Dallas should advance past the Timberwolves.

For more updates on the Dallas Mavericks championship run, stay tuned in.