Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks: Prediction and Betting Tips

Los Angeles Clippers

Coach Tyronn Lue will have to improve his team’s defense if he wants to tie the series with the Mavericks before traveling to Dallas for the third and fourth games. The Clippers defense has been allowing over 117 points per game in their last two regular-season games and things didn’t change much against the Mavericks as they couldn’t stop the five Mavericks players from scoring in double digits.

The Clippers weren’t far off with their true shooting percentage from their season average with 44% but they suffered from the arc shooting just 27.5% compared to their season average and first in the league of 41.1%. Despite being the fourth-best offensive team in the NBA, the Clippers’ offense let the team down as no other player than Leonard and George scored more than 11 points.

Dallas Mavericks

It was a great display from the Dallas Mavericks in game one as they look eager to avenge for their elimination last season at the hands of the Clippers. The star of the was Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old Slovenian became the youngest player to record a triple-double in the playoffs. Doncic scored 31 points accompanied by 10 assists and 11 rebounds.

Coach Rick Carlisle must be happy with his team’s contribution offensively as the Mavericks scored 50% of their shots from all ranges. Carlisle’s team improved their defense as well not allowing the Clippers to use their long-range shooting to be a decisive factor in the match.

Key Points

• The Mavericks are leading the H2h between the two teams 3-1
• The Clippers were 75% from the free throw in game one. They lead the NBA with 83.9%.
• The Clippers have an average of 114 points scored per game
• The Mavericks have an average of 112.4 points scored per game

Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction

Tyronn Lue and the Clippers will do all they can to avoid a second defeat at the Staples Center. In order to do that, Paul George (2 of 8) and Kawhi Leonard (1 of 6 ) need to improve their three-point shooting.

The Mavericks did have an exceptional offensive game but they can still improve defensively and make it even harder for the Clippers if they limit their three-point attempts to less than 40. The Clippers scored just 11 of 40 shots from the arc and that tally could rise easily in the coming games.

We think Tyronn Lue will solve many of the problems the Clippers had in game one and the likes of Paul George and Batum will have more contribution in the offense.

We predict the Clippers to win and under 55 points to be scored in the first quarter.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Tips

Spread -4.5 LA Clippers 1.90 at bet365

1st quarter total points Under 55.5 points 1.90 at bet365