Los Angeles Clippers - Dallas Mavericks predictions and free betting tips [24/04/2024]

The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks will face off tomorrow morning in their second match in the NBA Western Conference playoff series.

The Los Angeles Clippers

In the first playoff game, the LA Clippers demonstrated confidence even in the absence of Kawhi Leonard due to tendinitis of the knee. Taking centre stage was Ivica Zubac having scored 20 points and securing 15 rebounds, contributing to the team's victory with 109:97 against the Dallas Mavericks. The Clippers showed an incredibly strong start, especially in defence limiting Dallas to 8 points in the second quarter and 30 points in the first half. During this time, Zubac managed to score 12 points along with 10 rebounds.

The Clippers' performance signifies consistency and confidence. An excellent percentage ratio of 50% from three-point range and a staggering 84.6% from the foul line also accentuates their efficiency. The team's defence has been on a roll with merely 30.3% successful shots from the opposition beyond the arc and amassing an average of 45 rebounds per game.

The Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are struggling after their defeat with a 97:109 score to the LA Clippers in the opening game of the playoff series. Despite having a playoff slump, especially in the first half, Luka Dončić managed an impressive 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, with Kyrie Irving adding 31 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. However, the Mavericks only managed to earn 38% from the field and 10 out of 33 from beyond the three-point line. An evidently disappointing second quarter with merely 8 points and a first half score of 30 points.

In this game, the Mavericks suffered massively from their poor shot execution, notching in a mere 38.8% from the field and 30.3% from the three-point range. According to Coach Jason Kidd, the team's performance was one of their lowest in playoff history, highlighting the need for improved defence and gameplay. The team intends to revise their tactics, especially their defensive strategy against Ivica Zubac, who was the key player for the Clippers in the first game, scoring 20 points and making 15 rebounds. Irving emphasised the importance of playoff adaptation and limiting Zubac's influence in pick-and-rolls and under the hoop.

Head to Head

These teams meet for the third time in the playoffs over five NBA seasons; the Clippers won the first two first-round series in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. In this regular season, the Clippers have a 2-1 advantage over the Mavericks.

Forecast for the match Los Angeles Clippers - Dallas Mavericks

Despite the talents of Luka and overall performance of Dallas, I do not foresee their victory. The Clippers, even without Kawhi, have demonstrated considerable reserves. George had a slump in the first half but Harden was on fire. Dallas has confidently beaten the bench, which did not always provide support. I predict another victory for Los Angeles at home. With such defensive play, Dončić will never win a title.