Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Prediction & Preview - April 21, 2024

There are four games on the NBA playoffs schedule on Sunday, including Game 1 of the Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers matchup. The Mavericks and the Clippers are back at it again in the first round of the postseason for the third time in five seasons.

Dallas is looking to finally conquer the Clippers after losing in 2020 and 2021. They now have a much better version of Luka Doncic, who is surrounded by players such as Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. The team's depth has also improved, so they have a good chance of upsetting the Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard's knee will be the main talking point for the Clippers in this series. Paul George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook all have to step up if Leonard misses time against the Mavericks. They are deep enough to make things interesting against Dallas.

Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers preview, prediction, odds and betting tips

Game 1 of the Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers series is on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. It starts at 3:30 p.m. EST and will be nationally televised on ABC.

Moneyline: Mavericks (+100) vs Clippers (-125)

Spread: Mavericks +1.5 (-110) vs Clippers -1.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Mavericks o227 (-110) vs Clippers u227 (-110)

Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers preview

The LA Clippers won the season series over the Dallas Mavericks 2-1. However, all three games were in 2023, so the Clippers have not faced the new-look Mavs. Dallas made some changes at the trade deadline, and they paid off with one of the best records after the All-Star break.

Meanwhile, the Clippers struggled for consistency in the final two months of the season. They dropped to No. 5 at one point due to how poor they were playing. They regained their momentum, but will it be enough to take down the Mavs?

Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers starting lineups, subs and rotation

The Dallas Mavericks have only one player on their injury report for Game 1 – Tim Hardaway Jr. If Hardaway doesn't get cleared before the start of the game, here's how Jason Kidd could line up:

PG: Luka Doncic | SG: Kyrie Irving | SF: Derrick Jones Jr. | PF: P.J. Washington | C: Daniel Gafford

As it's the playoffs, the rotation would be narrowed down to eight or nine players. Dante Exum, Dereck Lively II, Josh Green, and Maxi Kleber are likely getting minutes against the Clippers.

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for the LA Clippers. If Leonard gets the green light to play, Ty Lue is expected to use the following starting five:

PG: James Harden | SG: Terance Mann | SF: Paul George | PF: Kawhi Leonard | C: Ivica Zubac

The Clippers' rotation for the playoffs likely includes Russell Westbrook, Norman Powell, Amir Coffey, and Daniel Theis.

Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers betting tips

Luka Doncic has an over/under of 33.5 points, which is his average against the LA Clippers in the first two first-round series matchups. Doncic was nearly unstoppable back then, and nothing has changed. Go against the odds, and place your money on "Luka Magic" to go over 33.5 points.

Kawhi Leonard is favored to go under 24.5 points. He's nursing a knee injury, which could hamper his performance and limit his minutes. Don't take the risk, and bet on Leonard to score less than 24.5 points. Monitor his status ahead of the game before placing your wager.