Mavericks vs Clippers Game 1 Picks and Odds
- The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks begin their NBA playoffs series on Monday
- Favored by 5.5 points to win Game One, the Clips are expected to go on a deep run
- Get the odds, betting discussion and a pick below
With the Los Angeles Clippers likely to occupy the two-seed, the seven seed was the spot the chasing pack wanted to avoid. The Dallas Mavericks now have the unenviable task of facing the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs.
But this is not an ideal matchup for the Clips either – Dallas are very good for a seven seed, featuring star talent in Luka Doncic. He’ll gain his first NBA postseason experience against one of the title favorites, a team led by, among other, the reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
The Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers odds can be seen in the table below.
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers Game 1 Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline Odds at FanDuel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | +5.5 (-110) | +194 | O 230 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Clippers | -5.5 (-110) | -235 | U 230 (-110) |
Odds taken August 16.
Clips’ Switchability
Only the Portland Trail Blazers generate more points per possession when running pick-and-roll than Dallas. This Mavericks offense is historically good, and screening for Doncic is a key part of that. It opens small gaps in the defense for Doncic to penetrate.
This Clippers roster is made to switch that offensive action. Leonard, Paul George, Marcus Morris, JaMychal Green are all ultra-switchable. If Patrick Beverley takes the floor, he will be more than willing to switch onto Doncic.
Another day at the office for Luka Doncic 🔥
36 PTS
19 AST
14 REBMavs beat Bucks 136-132 in OT pic.twitter.com/8dRdXaLGgF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 9, 2020
Doncic is one of the great pick-and-roll ball handlers in the league. Dallas often set screens for him with Kristaps Porzingis, who can roll and finish over people or pop for the three. Those plays become trickier if the Clippers switch everything – Doncic’s opportunity to get to the paint or pull up in mid-range lessens.
There is no stopping this Mavs offense, but the Clippers have the personnel to trouble some of their favored sets.
Guarding Kawhi
An unsettled roster throughout the season and even in the bubble leaves some uncertainty around the Clippers. Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams and Beverley have all missed time in Orlando.
Kawhi’s reaction to the game going to OT 😂 pic.twitter.com/4FJAPrDHg1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 15, 2020
While that depth is crucial, the most important thing is the health of Leonard and George, something which has been carefully managed throughout the season. The Clips went all-in to land their two superstars, and both have shown flashes of dominance in the bubble.
LA went 3-0 in the season series. Leonard and George took over in the first meeting, resulting in a comfortable Clips win. Doncic was great as the Mavs tried to comeback in their second game. The third time they faced each other was in Orlando, where Ivica Zubac posted a record-breaking night.
It starts Monday. pic.twitter.com/g24tLZsSfM
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) August 15, 2020
One theme has been consistent throughout: Leonard has been superb. He’s averaged 31 points and Dallas haven’t had much of an answer for him. The assignment will likely fall to Dorian Finney-Smith for Game 1.
The concern is that it leaves Tim Hardaway Jr. on Paul George. This Dallas team has been average defensively all season, and that has continued in the bubble – only the Nuggets had a worse defensive rating in the seeding games.
Back The Clips
This will not be a straight forward series for the Clippers. Dallas can put up points on anyone, and they will fancy their chances of taking a few games off these slightly under-prepared Clippers.
Dorian Finney-Smith compiled a career-high 27 points to go with 11 boards and 5 assists tonight.
This marks the third career 20-point game for Finney-Smith, all coming this season. pic.twitter.com/Ga08EVPkSE
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) August 9, 2020
In Doncic and Porzingis’ playoff debuts, though, this could be a game where Leonard and George look to set down a marker. A repeat of their first matchup this season, a comfortable LA win, seems more likely than a Dallas victory.
The Mavs’ defense is going to struggle. This could be high-scoring, but only one of their three previous meetings finished with over 230 total points, making the spread the best bet here.
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers -5.5 (-110)
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.
