Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and the Mavericks set an NBA record this year for offensive efficiency. However, they’ll find things much more difficult against LA, which boasts one of the Association’s top three-point defenses. The Clippers won all three regular-season meetings and opened as 5-point favorites for Game 1.
- Date/Time: August 17, 9 p.m. ET
- Arena: The Arena (WWOS)
- TV Coverage: ESPN
- Sportsbook Odds: Clippers -5 | O/U 226.5 (Line History)
- Mavericks vs Clippers Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The biggest early line move in this contest has been on the total, which saw heavy OVER support move the line up to 230 as of Monday morning. The Sportsbook point spread of LA -5 was a point higher than when the teams met in the seeding round on August 6, but bettors have still seen value on the Clips, betting them up to -6.
Dallas News & Notes
Monday will mark the very first playoff experience for both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, although Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle doesn’t expect nerves to be a factor.
“He’s wired for big moments,” Carlisle told NBA.com about Doncic, who averaged 29.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 9.0 assists this season. “He’ll be fine.”
Doncic and Porzingis, who is listed as probable with a sore heel, were both named to all-seeding round teams after Doncic posted three triple-doubles in seven appearances and Porzingis averaged 30.5 points in six games.
The Mavericks might also be buoyed with confidence after setting a new NBA record for offensive efficiency. Dallas posted an offensive rating of 115.9 points per 100 possessions this year, eclipsing the previous standard of 115.0 set by last year’s Golden State Warriors.
The three-point shot has been a big factor in the Mavs’ offensive success this year with Dallas ranking second in the NBA in both attempts and makes from behind the arc. However, the Clippers are fifth-best in the Association this year against the three and held Doncic to 27.3 percent on treys in three regular-season matchups.
Los Angeles News & Notes
The Clippers open the series with backcourt injury concerns as starting point guard Patrick Beverley and reserve Landry Shamet are both listed as questionable. Beverley missed LA’s final five seeding games due to a calf strain, while Shamet — who started in his place last week against Dallas — is nursing a sprained foot. If neither suits up, Reggie Jackson would likely get the start at the 1 spot.
Fortunately for LA, the team is expected to have a key member of its bench available Monday for the first time since the restart. Power forward Montrezl Harrell, who left the bubble in mid-July due to a family emergency, has cleared quarantine and is expected to suit up for LA.
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, though, told reporters he’s not sure how much he’ll play the Sixth Man of the Year candidate, noting that Harrell hasn’t seen live game action since March 10.
Betting Pick: Mavericks +6
Dallas is a sizzling 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 games as an underdog of 6 points or more. I like the young and energetic Mavs to keep things relatively close against this banged-up Clippers squad.
- The Mavericks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games.
- Kawhi Leonard averaged 31 PPG this year vs the Mavericks.
- The Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs the Mavericks.
