Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Game 6: Western Conference Playoffs – First round
The Dallas Mavericks have a chance to advance to the second playoff round when they host the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center on Friday.
Is this it for the Clippers?
The Los Angeles Clippers got back to the series with a Game 4 road win, but everything collapsed when they came back home. Kawhi Leonard sat that one out, and that decision may cost the Clippers the season. They held on only in the first quarter and then lost the remaining three by at least nine points each. Paul George and Ivica Zubac led the team with 15 points each, followed by Norman Powell, who added 14 off the bench.
The Mavericks can get the job done
After losing Game 4 at home, the Dallas Mavericks showed up ready for the next one in LA. They absolutely dominated the entire game, beating the Clippers 123-93. The Mavs shot 54% from the field and moved the ball well for 27 assists. Luka Doncic led the way with 35 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. Maxi Kleber had his best game of the series, dropping 15 off the bench, and Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy added 14.
Betting Trends
The Clippers have covered the spread in 14 of the last 19 games against the Mavericks. Los Angeles is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Dallas is 13-5 ATS in the last 18 games overall and 15-5 ATS in the last 20 games against teams from the Western Conference.
Prediction and Conclusion
This has been a rollercoaster series with both teams dominating at a time, but it seems like the Dallas Mavericks have taken full control now. They let Game 4 slip away but showed up ready in Los Angeles, and Luka Doncic led his team to a confident win. For the first time in the series, the Mavs had a great game from their bench players, and the Mavs are major favorites going into this one. Kawhi Leonard did not play in the last one, and no Clippers player scored over 15 points. Something is definitely wrong with the Clippers team, and this may be the last game we see them with this roster. The Mavericks will not allow themselves to miss this opportunity and will advance to the next round with a win covering the -7.5-point spread.
