The Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks will play the third game of this first round series here on Friday night in Dallas. These two teams split the opening two games of the series in Los Angeles and now the team who wins this third game will have an advantage heading into the second game in Dallas later this week. This could be a crucial turning point in this first round series between the Clippers and Mavericks, as this one could easily go back-and-forth all the way down to a winner take all game number seven.
There should be a pretty close and competitive matchup between two of the most star-studded teams in the NBA as Kawhi Leonard, James, Harden, and Paul George get ready to face off with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. These two teams have played two very competitive matchups throughout the opening two games of this series and they will look to continue that trend throughout game three on Friday night. The winner of this first round series could establish themselves as a potential favorite throughout the rest of the postseason as the momentum they get from the series victory would be enough to propel them to an NBA finals appearance and potentially even a championship.
Past Prediction All the previous predictions can be viewed by clicking this link right here . There will be predictions made each and every night for the NBA season, throughout the remainder of the regular season and into the postseason as well. You can check back here for predictions each and every night all the way up until the last game of the NBA finals.
History Between These Two Teams The Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks met several times throughout the regular season. On top of that they have met twice in the opening two games of this first round playoff series as well. Which means Los Angeles and Dallas should be pretty familiar with each other at this point and no surprises should be pulled throughout Game three here on Friday night. In three regular season meetings between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers, it was Los Angeles that came away with a pair of victories.
One of those victories came at home and a blowout in the second meeting of the season and their second victory came in Dallas in a close game in the third and final meeting between these two teams in the regular season. Los Angeles and Dallas have met twice in the state of Texas with each team picking up a victory. So this game can arguably go either way here on Friday night in this pivotal matchup in the opening round of the playoffs.
Today’s Predictions This game can arguably go either way here in Dallas, as Kawhi Leonard is currently listed as a gametime decision which could be a major blow to Los Angeles hopes of winning. Outside of a few bench pieces Dallas is relatively healthy for this game on Friday night at home against the Clippers, which could be crucial for them to pick up a much-needed victory. Kawhi Leonard is not in the lineup. It would be much tougher for the Los Angeles Clippers to defend either Kyrie Irving or Luka Dončić throughout the game. Which could lead to a pretty hefty victory if one of their superstars can get hot early without one of the best defensive players in the league guarding them.
A change of venue could also be very beneficial for Los Angeles in this game as they come into this one losing four out of their last five games at home despite winning game one of the postseason against Dallas. They may have a tougher time playing on the road in Dallas, with the way they’ve been losing at home lately, it might give them a little bit more momentum playing in front of a hostile crowd. The same can be said for Dallas in this one as well as they have struggled on the road, despite their game to victory in Los Angeles, losing two out of four away from home to close out the regular season and open up the playoffs.
Dallas is listed as the early betting favored in this one without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup. You can certainly expect Luka Dončić to put up quality numbers in this one if he is not guarded by Kawhi throughout this game on Friday night at home. Despite being early into his career, he put up fantastic scoring performances before, and this could be yet another occurrence of a Luka Dončić masterclass here in game three of the postseason on Friday night. That is exactly what I expect here in Dallas as I look for the Dallas Mavericks to pick up a quality victory and cover the spread against the Los Angeles Clippers. As I look for the Dallas Mavericks to be backed by an incredible performance from Dončić and Kyrie Irving as well.
Tips For Betting Dallas was a solid team at home this season compiling a record of 25-16 in 41 games. Luka Dončić put up incredible numbers in Dallas this season averaging 34 points when the Mavericks were playing in front of their home fans. Meanwhile, his running mate Kyrie Irving averaged 27 points at home this season. If they can somewhat replicate those averages throughout this game on Friday night and the following game later this week, Dallas has a really solid shot at winning both games of this series at home before heading back to Los Angeles for game five.
The Pick: Dallas Mavericks -4.5 (-115) Picks given are the opinion of the writer, not Elitepickz pros. To get picks from some of the sharpest minds in the industry, sign up here and use code AB15 for 15% off any pass!
