Clippers vs Mavericks Game 5 Picks and Odds

• Luka Doncic put in an all-time performance for the Dallas Mavericks to win Game 4 and tie the series 2-2 
• LAC are 6-point favorites heading into Tuesday’s pivotal Game 5
• Get the latest odds, betting discussion and a pick below

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers meet in Game 5 of their NBA playoffs first round series on Tuesday. It’s been the most competitive series in the first round to date, and it provided the game of the bubble so far on Sunday as Luka Doncic hit an outrageous, buzzer-beating stepback three to tie the series.

All eyes will be on Doncic again on Tuesday, though there’s important news to come about his co-star Kristaps Porzingis.

Despite underwhelming performances in the series so far, the latest Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers odds heavily favor the Clips in Game 5.

Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers Game 5 Odds

Odds taken August 24th

Unstoppable Luka

Doncic’s performance on Sunday was the stuff of legend. A 21-year-old putting up a 43-point, 17-rebound, 13-assist game in the playoffs is extraordinary. Adding a buzzer-beater to that takes it to another level.

Throw in the fact he sprained his ankle two days before, and it is barely believable. Doncic was a gametime decision, and then turned in one of the greatest post-season performances in NBA history. It also pulled the Mavs to +260 underdogs in the series.

This was, of course, all without Kristaps Porzingis.

The Clippers had no answer for the young Slovenian, who was able to get wherever he wanted on the court. They didn’t guard him perfectly (the switching didn’t make much sense), but this was an historic performance.

How Doncic feels after that game is obviously crucial for the remainder of this series. He played 46 minutes on an ankle that he could barely walk on two days ago. If the ankle pain has worsened after his Game 4 performance, it seems unlikely he will play Game 5.

Porzingis’ health is a concern for Rick Carlisle, too. He sat out Game 4 with knee soreness and we are awaiting news on his status for Game 5. Doncic might have led the Mavs to win once without Porzingis, but doing it again seems unlikely.

Clippers Can Take Positives

The Clippers can take positives from that loss. They were an outrageous Doncic shot away from winning a game with Paul George and Montrezl Harrell struggling, and a game when Dallas’ role players stepped up in a big way.

The Mavs needed that performance from Doncic just to keep them in the game.

Paul George's last three games:

(via @kirkgoldsberry) pic.twitter.com/J19l6sNsrP

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 24, 2020

Having given up so much to land their two stars, the Clippers need to see more from George. He has done a lot of talking in Orlando, but he’s yet to back that up on the court. He was 3-for-14 in Game 4 and became a non-factor on offense late in the game.

If George can break out of this cold spell, the Clippers should still win this series.

Time For Clips to Deliver

All year long this Clippers team has been about how good they can be in theory. It’s time for that to become reality. The supposedly suffocating defense needs to be able to slow down Trey Burke and Seth Curry. Kawhi Leonard and George need to be constantly guarding Doncic.

"Kawhi Leonard, literally allowing himself to be switched off so Reggie Jackson could defend [Luka]? That's inexcusable!"

—@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/rpsbnFZ7cH

— First Take (@FirstTake) August 24, 2020

Dallas want these games to become high-scoring. Their offense broke records this year. The ‘over’ has hit in each of the last three games of this series, and even though it looks a bit high at 236, it’s the best bet for Game 5.

There’s a temptation to back a Clippers bounce back at -6, but the struggles of Harrell and George are a major concern offensively. George’s woes force Doc Rivers to play more of Lou Williams. Williams becomes an easy target for Doncic and a notably weak point in the Clippers defense. He needs to score like he did in Game 4 (36 points) to have a positive impact on this team.

Pick: Over 236 total points (-110)