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- What: NBA Playoffs first round
- Who: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
- When: Wednesday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET
- Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California
- How to watch: ESPN and WatchESPN app
This could prove to be one of the biggest games of the week in the NBA playoffs. Come Wednesday, the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are ready to face off in California. This series is now tied at 2-2 after the Clippers were able to post an impressive Game 3 victory. Now, though, the pressure is on both of these teams to try and grab a 3-2 lead. Who will come out on top? Before the opening tip, the Mavericks are favored over the Clippers for a Game 5 battle.
Again, this could be the best game of the week, as both Dallas and LA know that the pressure is going to be high to come out with a victory. Dallas is of course led by the strong play of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, while the Clippers feature James Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook. On paper, Dallas should not only post a win in this contest, but they’re expected to move on to the next round as well. Doncic and Co. are hoping to make that happen.
| Mavs vs. Clippers Game 5 |  |  |  |
| Mavs to win | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Clippers to win | +125 | +125 | +125 |
| Over 186 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 186 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
“I just gotta help him more,” Doncic said of Irving after the tough Game 4 loss for Dallas against the Clippers. “I feel like I’m letting him down, so I’ve gotta be there, I’ve gotta help him more. He’s given everything that he has. He’s been amazing for us in the whole series.”
According to the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, the Mavericks, despite being the road team, hold -110 NBA playoffs betting odds to come out on top. Meanwhile for the Clippers, the home side, they’ve been handed +125 NBA betting odds. This could prove to be a see-saw battle, but something tells us an upset is going to be on the way. Believe it or not, we’re not rocking with the Mavericks for this showdown.
Final. LA on Wednesday. @Chime // #OneForDallas #MFFL pic.twitter.com/9Y0AYP9yVV
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) April 28, 2024
The Clippers are our pick to win Game 5 against Dallas
That’s right, the Clippers are our pick to win Game 5 against Dallas. While Doncic is one of the best small forwards in the game, the Clippers have proven thus far that they have what it takes to win this series. Not a lot of people thought that things would be tied up at 2-2 at this point, but that’s exactly what has happened. Now, the Clippers are playing with some swagger and they want to keep the good vibes going.
In the Game 4 win, George and Harden led the Clippers with 33 points each. When both of those guys catch fire, it’s a nightmare for opposing teams. Keep in mind too that Kawhi Leonard wasn’t able to play in Game 4 due to a knee injury. It’s up in the air when he’ll be able to return, but if he’s able to play in Game 5, it’s going to be a major addition for this team on both ends of the floor.
PAUL GEORGE. 🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 28, 2024
“He’s extremely disappointed and frustrated,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said. “It was obvious in Game 3 that his mobility was severely restricted. Organizationally, we made a decision that he’s out. The obvious question is, ‘When’s he coming back?’ I can’t tell you a timeline. I wish I had a crystal ball. Basically, until he can show that he can make all the movements that he needs to make, that’s when he’ll come back. That will be the timeframe.”
Injuries have been a bit of an issue for the Clippers this season, with the latest update on Leonard not being great. However, even if Leonard isn’t able to play, George and Harden will lead the way on offense, while Westbrook will do his best to help out too. Dallas also has the offensive talent to post a win, but LA is a bit more deep with its depth. With all of that said, we think the Clippers will be able to grab a 3-2 series lead on Wednesday night.
The over should hit between the Clippers and Mavs
In terms of offensive production, the over should hit between the Clippers and Mavs for this showdown. We already mentioned how strong Harden and George looked in Game 4, as their 33-point showings still have people talking. However, on the other bench, we feel like Doncic is going to be ready to put on a show too. In the last contest, the All-Star SF posted a triple-double, with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Irving finished with a ming-blowing 40 points too.
That goes to show how incredible both can be with the ball in their hands. Whenever Doncic is on the hardwood, he’s a threat to score at least 25 points. The same can be said for Irving. Dallas has other talented shooters as well, which will come in handy against the Clippers. With the over/under set at 186 points, we have a feeling these two teams will have no issues covering in this case. We’ll have to wait and see what happens, but we’re definitely going with the over here.
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