LA Clippers (16-12) vs. Dallas Mavericks (17-10)
December 21, 2024 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: Dallas Mavericks -3.5; Over/Under: +219.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks duke it out once again at the American Airlines Center on Saturday 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 decent shape as they’ve won four of their last seven games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight win after routing the Mavericks in a 118-95 road win on Thursday. Norman Powell led the team with 29 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, James Harden added 24 points with seven assists while Ivica Zubac chipped in with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists.
As a team, the Clippers shot 51 percent from the field and 14 of 33 from the 3-point line, but this win was all about their defense as they restricted the Mavericks to just 19 points in the second quarter to take the narrow lead into halftime before they held the Mavericks to just 18 points in the fourth quarter to come away with one of their best wins of the season. The Clippers will meet the Grizzlies after this game.
Dallas Mavericks
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have been on a tear as they’ve won 12 of their last 15 games overall, but they are looking to bounce back in this one after getting thrashed by the Clippers on Thursday. Klay Thompson led the team in scoring with 22 points on nine of 17 shooting, Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points with seven assists while PJ Washington chipped in with 14 points and nine rebounds.
As a team, the Mavericks shot just 39 percent from the field and seven of 30 from the 3-point line as they did a decent job of hanging with the Clippers until both teams went to their second unit which was where the Mavericks’ depth looked overstretched. The Mavs will face the Trail Blazers following this one.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Mavericks have lost each of their last three games as favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Clippers have won each of their last three games as underdogs after winning as underdogs.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in each of their last six road games against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven Saturday night games against teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Clippers’ last seven games at American Airlines Center following a road win has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Mavericks’ last four home games following a home loss has gone UNDER the total points line.
Dallas Mavericks Player Facts
- P.J. Washington is one of only 10 qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.0 threes, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks this season.
- Klay Thompson ranks 12th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (3.9) this season.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Norman Powell ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (4.9) this season.
- Ivica Zubac ranks 4th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (12.3) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Mavericks rank 28th in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (12.1).
- The Mavericks rank T3rd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.1).
- The Clippers rank 2nd in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (9.2).
- The Clippers rank 29th in the league for turnover percentage this season (14.7%).
Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still missing Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann, while the Mavericks are still missing Luka Doncic and Dante Exum. It’s always tough to beat the same team twice in a row in their own building, but the Mavericks are banged up at the moment which really stretches their depth once they go to their second unit. The Clippers made it look easy at times in their win on Thursday and I think we’re about to see a similar result here with the Clippers winning once again.
