Mavericks vs. Clippers Prediction
The Clippers will head into this 4 vs. 5 seed matchup against the Mavericks down 2-0. The Mavericks have played terrific all-around basketball, while the Clippers seem to have no sense of urgency to stop them. Game 3 will be the deciding factor if Los Angeles can get going and potentially come back from this deficit. Look for the Mavericks vs. Clippers prediction here.
Luka Doncic has been incredible in these first two games, averaging 35 points a game, 8.6 rebounds, and 9 assists. The Clippers have been led by Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in this series, but the role players haven’t been nearly as good as the Maverick’s role players.
The Clippers need to get back on track in tonight’s game. They have already dropped the first two at home and now will go to American Airlines Arena to fight for a 2-1 series. This game will be extremely entertaining and should come down to the end, which has been in Dallas’s favor twice already.
Why Can’t the Clippers Succeed In the Playoffs?
Time is running out for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers were not able to get over the hump in last year’s playoffs, and it doesn’t look too bright this year either. The two stars have been able to produce in the first two matchups but have not been the leaders and playmakers that this team needs.
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points on 67% from the floor, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Paul George had a great game inside the arc, shooting 11-15, but only 1-7 from three. Reggie Jackson was the only other scorer in double digits on Tuesday with 15 points. Los Angeles has to find better shots in tonight’s game in order to succeed without relying on the megastars.
Also, the Clippers should be known as a defense team with the likes of Kawhi, PG13, and Patrick Beverley in the starting lineup. When they play the Mavericks, it has not mattered how good of defense they play; Luka seems to make a play anyways. Tyronn Lue must head to the drawing board and figure out a way to top the 22-year-old star if the Clippers want a chance.
Luka Magic and Spectacular Shooting Has Kept the Mavericks Hot
Dallas is clicking right now and at the perfect time. Luka Doncic’s play has elevated the play of guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith because of the open shots he creates for them. The Mavericks have won two games in a row, even with Kristaps Porzingis not playing up to his standards.
Last game, all the energy was with the Mavs. Luka had 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, and an insane one-legged floater from 30 feet in a two-for-one situation. Tim Hardaway Jr. was outstanding with 28 points and shooting 6-8 from the three-point line. Porzingis was effective with 2- points on 8-12 from the field.
The Mavericks are currently a force to be reckoned with as they seemingly have taken the life out of the Clippers. We will see if they can stay hot shooting the ball and also playing inspired defense in tonight’s game 3 contest.
Pick and Prediction
Los Angeles is a 2.5 points favorite tonight at home. I think the Mavericks end up going 3-0 as they play this game in Dallas. The momentum has been with Doncic and the Mavs all series, and I don’t think it will stop tonight. I’ll take the Mavericks at +2.5.
Luka Doncic will have a 35 point triple-double in a win tonight. Porzingis will raise his level of play with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will do all they can to avoid a 3-0 hole, each scoring 30+ points, but it won’t be enough.
You can watch this game on ESPN at 9:30 P.M. Eastern time.
Pick: Mavericks +2.5
