Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 03/05/2024, 09:15  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Dallas Mavericks head home to the American Airlines Center to face the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Dallas lead the series 3-2. 

The Dallas Mavericks are riding high on confidence after a dominant performance in Game 5 against the Clippers. Led by Luka Doncic's standout performance with 35 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists, the Mavericks soared to a series-high 123 points. Maxi Kleber contributed 15 points off the bench, further bolstering the team's offense. Shooting an impressive 54% from the field and 14 of 39 from beyond the arc, the Mavericks were an offensive powerhouse but also displayed solid defense, particularly in the first half. In Game 5, the Mavericks found success with both their offense and defense clicking simultaneously, arguably for the first time in the series. Notably, they have excelled in second halves throughout the series, winning three out of five and after convincing victories in the last two games, they appear to have found their rhythm at just the right time. Despite nursing a knee injury, Doncic is available for Game 6. However, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Oliver Maxence Prosper have been ruled out.

The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a tough spot and facing elimination after that lopsided 123-93 defeat in Game 5. Paul George led the team with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Ivica Zubac also added 15 points. However, the Clippers struggled on both ends of the court, shooting just 37% from the field and nine of 35 from beyond the arc. They were on the back foot from the start last time out, falling behind by ten points at halftime, and things only worsened in the second half, where they allowed 67 points. While James Harden and Paul George performed well in LA's victories, both players have been inconsistent across the series. Harden's scoring output nearly doubles in Clippers wins compared to losses, while George's production also drops significantly in defeats. Kawhi Leonard attempted to play in this series despite a knee injury but has missed the last two games and remains a doubt for Game 6. Additionally, Joshua Primo is sidelined, and Terance Mann is questionable.