Subscribe
Follow Us
The NBA Playoffs officially kick off on Saturday and the Dallas Mavericks head to California to play against the Los Angeles Clippers. It's time we continue our NBA odds series and make a Mavericks-Clippers prediction and pick.
The Mavericks finished the regular season with a 42-30 record and a 35-37 record against the spread. Luka Doncic has carried the Mavericks into the postseason and looks to upset the Clippers in the first round.
The Clippers wound up as the fourth seed after obtaining a 47-25 record, going 39-32-1 against the spread. They are a problem on defense and can score at will with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way.
Here's how sportsbooks have set the Mavericks-Clippers odds.
NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavericks-Clippers
Dallas Mavericks +6 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers -6 (-110)
Over 226 (-105)
Under 226 (-115)
Why the Mavericks Could Cover the Spread
The simple answer is Luka Doncic. He's been on a tear this season averaging 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. The ball runs through him as he serves as the Mavericks' point guard.
Although Doncic is the face of the Mavericks franchise, his supporting cast will have to step up if they plan on winning, or at least covering the spread. Kristaps Porzingis is the X-Factor in this game, as Los Angeles doesn't have anyone that matches up with him. Dallas needs Porzingis to be a strong second option if they want to have a chance in this series.
Article Continues Below
Outside of Doncic and Porzingis, Dallas would really benefit from having a third option arise in this matchup. Everyone outside of Doncic has been inconsistent this season, but someone like Tim Hardaway Jr. could get hot at the right time and provide the extra scoring they need to at least cover the spread.
Why the Clippers Could Cover the Spread
The Clippers have one of the most impressive rosters in the league right now. Leonard and George are the outright superstars, but the guys around them hold their own as well. With Patrick Beverly, Rajon Rondo, Luke Kennard, and Marcus Morris, LA has a rather stout defense and are a threat from deep.
Los Angeles should be able to cover the spread simply from the lack of perimeter defense in Dallas. The Mavericks don't have any outstanding defensive players, especially around the perimeter that could slow down the Clippers' offense. Look for LA to play hard-nosed defense to create scoring opportunities on offense.
Leonard and George make up for one of the best duos in the league. They're spectacular on defense and have the ability to score from anywhere on the court. Dallas doesn't have the perimeter defense to slow them down, so these two should light it up on Saturday.
Final Mavericks-Clippers Prediction & Pick
Los Angeles has the homecourt advantage to start the series off to a hot start. The Clippers should be able to secure a win in game one though, as they could be too much for the Mavericks to handle. Luka Doncic will do everything he can to keep his team in this game and Porzingis could elevate his game to give the Mavericks a boost. At the end of the day though, the combination of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George guarding Doncic should give the Clippers the win.
FINAL MAVERICKS-CLIPPERS PREDICTION/PICK: Clippers win 118-110
