LA Clippers (15-12) vs. Dallas Mavericks (17-9)
December 19, 2024 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: Dallas Mavericks -6.5; Over/Under: +228.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks collide at the American Airlines Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Prediction. This article will include a Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Pick.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been in fine form as they’ve won nine of their last 14 games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after blowing past the lowly Jazz in a 144-107 home win on Monday. James Harden drained seven 3-pointers to lead the way with 41 points on 11 of 17 shooting, Norman Powell added 29 points on 12 of 16 shooting while Ivica Zubac chipped in with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. As a team, the Clippers shot 59 percent from the field and 21 of 39 from the 3-point line as they jumped all over the Jazz from the start and never looked in danger after dominating the first half by 81-47.
Dallas Mavericks
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have been on fire as they’ve won 12 of their last 14 games overall and they looked great in their 143-133 road win over the Warriors on Sunday. Luka Doncic led the team with a triple-double of 45 points with 11 rebounds and 13 assists, Klay Thompson added 29 points while Kyrie Irving chipped in with 21 points and eight assists. As a team, the Mavericks shot 59 percent from the field and an efficient 21 of 41 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 46 points in the first quarter to take an early 19-point lead which kept them in control throughout the game.
Why the Dallas Mavericks will win
- The Clippers have lost each of their last nine night games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Mavericks have won eight of their last nine games.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine night games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Mavericks have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Clippers’ last four games as underdogs following a home win has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Mavericks’ last six home games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Kris Dunn ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.8) this season.
- Ivica Zubac ranks 4th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (12.2) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Mavericks rank 2nd in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (26.6).
- The Mavericks rank 28th in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (12.3).
- The Clippers rank 2nd in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (9.3).
- The Clippers rank T2nd in the league for steals per game this season (9.8).
Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still shorthanded with Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr, and Kobe Brown all out, while the Mavericks don’t have a single player listed on the injury report. The Clippers have continued to win games despite missing some key players and they smashed the Jazz in their last game, but it’s going to be tough to replicate that effort against this red-hot Mavericks team who are firing on all cylinders at the moment. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Clippers won this one outright but based on recent form, I have to stick with the Mavericks to get the win and cover at the reasonable line.
