LA Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 23/04/2024, 04:43  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks will face off in game two of the NBA playoffs on Tuesday night. The hosts lead the series 1-0 after beating the visitors 109-97 in game 1. 

In Game 1 of the first-round Western Conference series, the Los Angeles Clippers asserted their dominance with a 109-97 victory over the visiting Dallas Mavericks. Despite the absence of star Kawhi Leonard due to knee inflammation, the No. 4-seed Clippers showcased their depth. James Harden led the scoring charge with 28 points, supported by Ivica Zubac, who achieved a playoff career-high with 20 points and contributed 15 rebounds. The Clippers' defensive prowess was evident from the outset, limiting Dallas to just eight points in the second quarter and 30 points in the entire first half. Los Angeles surged to a commanding lead, stretching it to as much as 29 points on multiple occasions during the third quarter. Throughout the season, the Clippers have maintained a strong offensive output, averaging 115.6 points per game (ranking 12th in the league) while also showcasing solid defensive capabilities by allowing just 112.3 points per contest (ranking 10th in the NBA). Leonard will be a game-time decision. 

Despite ending the regular season on a high note with 16 wins in their last 18 games, the Mavericks stumbled in their final two regular-season matchups, opting to rest key players after securing their playoff seed. This marks the third postseason encounter between the Clippers and the Mavericks in the last five seasons, with the Clippers emerging victorious in the previous two series. In game 1, Luka Doncic led the charge with an impressive 33-point, 13-rebound performance, supported by Kyrie Irving's 31 points. The Mavericks struggled to generate offensive momentum, while their defense faltered, allowing Ivica Zubac to dominate near the rim. Apart from Irving and Doncic, the rest of the Mavericks' offense appeared lackluster, highlighting the need for increased contributions from the team moving forward. Statistically, the Mavericks boast a potent offense, averaging 117.9 points per game (ranking seventh in the NBA), but their defense allows an average of 115.6 points per contest (placing them 20th in the league). Currently, Greg Brown and Dwight Powell are listed as absentees for the team.