Clippers vs Mavericks Game 2 Picks and Odds
- The Los Angeles Clippers got the better of the Dallas Mavericks in the first game of the series
- A controversial ejection of Kristaps Porzingis proved crucial for LAC to hold on for a win
- Get the latest odds, betting discussion and a pick below
The Los Angeles Clippers take a 1-0 lead into Game 2 of their first round NBA playoff series with the Dallas Mavericks. Despite a big night from Luka Doncic, in which he scored the most points of any player in NBA history on their playoff debut, the Clippers covered with an eight-point win.
Kristaps Porzingis played only 19 minutes after being ejected for two questionable technical fouls. Porzingis’ absence obviously worked in the Clippers’ favor.
The Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers odds made the Clips 5.5-point favorites for Game 1. The line has moved to 6 points for Game 2, as can be seen in the table below.
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers Game 2 Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline Odds at FanDuel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | +6 (-114) | +200 | O 230 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Clippers | -6 (-106) | -245 | U 230 (-110) |
Odds taken August 18th
Kleber Starts
Rick Carlisle made a notable change before the series had even started. Seth Curry was shifted to the bench to bring Maxi Kleber into the starting line-up, a change that saw Porzingis move from the five to the four.
This was, in part, a response to Ivica Zubac’s 21-point, 15-rebound outing against the Mavs in the seeding games. Zubac was perfect from the field in that game – he was less effective in Game One, finishing with 10 points.
Mavs shake up the starting lineup to go big and bring Seth Curry off the bench. https://t.co/IlyPyvUPkc
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) August 18, 2020
While Kleber is a good shooter, he is obviously a lesser threat from beyond the arc than Curry, who stretches defenses with his off-ball movement. Kleber finished with just three points on Monday – it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Carlisle reverts to a smaller line-up.
Defending Luka
Losing Porzingis put more pressure on Doncic. He stepped up, as he often does. He shot 15 free throws, and hit over 60% from the field on his way to 42 points. The Mavericks surged after a poor start from Doncic, who turned the ball over frequently early on.
The Clips took turns at guarding the former Real Madrid star, and they showed a willingness to switch.
21-year-old LUKA DONCIC now has the record for most points in an NBA Playoffs debut!
42 PTS
13/21 FG
14/15 FT
2/6 3PT
9 AST
7 REB
3 STL
11 TO— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 18, 2020
This was particularly important in Porzingis’ minutes. Marcus Morris took the Porzingis assignment, which allowed the defense to switch when Porzingis screened for Doncic. Having a non-center on Porzingis made it more difficult for them to run their two-man game. Finding mismatches is hard against the Clippers team.
Doncic is one of the league’s stars already. His playoff debut was exceptional, particularly against a defense as versatile as the Clippers’. For Dallas to compete deep into this series, they need more games like Monday from Doncic, who would likely have led them to the win if Porzingis had stayed in the game.
Dallas to Bounce Back
The Clippers stole Game One. It was a game they could have easily lost. The Porzingis factor cannot be overstated for a Dallas team that is already without Dwight Powell. It forced them to play more Boban Marjanovic or go smaller, two situations which are far from ideal.
"All it was was a potential series-altering, indefensible, inexplicable decision. … The Clippers had no answers for the Mavs' offense. Now the Mavs have to win 5 out of 7, instead of 4 out of 7."@getnickwright on why Kristaps Porzingis' ejection was so ridiculous pic.twitter.com/FB7BEePT1W
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 18, 2020
This Clips defense will make it difficult for Dallas’ shooters. They have great length to contest shots and they close out well when Doncic kicks it out. A better shooting night from Kleber or Dorian Finney-Smith is not an unreasonable expectation, though.
The first game of this series sets it up nicely. It’s understandable the Clippers are comfortable favorites, but the spread looks generous. The Mavs are a good bet at +6.
Pick: Dallas Mavericks +6 (-114)
Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
