There’s rarely a dull moment with the Los Angeles Clippers but it’s strictly good vibes these days as they look to extend their eight-game win streak tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers have rebounded impressively from the alarming skid that followed the James Harden trade, and they shredded the earlier this week in a 151-127 win. Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George combined for 90 points that night, and L.A. has won five of its last six games by a double-digit margin.
The past week has been more uneven for the Mavericks. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Luka Doncic is averaging 39 points over his last three games, but Dallas lost two of those contests, including a 130-104 setback against the Nuggets on Monday.
Read on for our free NBA picks for Clippers vs. Mavericks ahead of tonight’s battle.
Clippers vs Mavericks odds
Clippers vs Mavericks predictions
The Los Angeles Clippers’ explosive performances over the past two weeks have been sparked by various factors, but Kawhi Leonard’s surgical shotmaking has to be high on the list. As long as he’s healthy, they have a shot at making this a special season.
After some clunky games right after trading for James Harden, L.A. is firing on all cylinders now and I expect that to continue tonight against a Dallas Mavericks team that could be missing Josh Green, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II in addition to Irving.
Leonard is averaging 33 points over his last six contests, and he was masterful on the way to 36 points and seven rebounds against the Knicks on Saturday.
On the heels of a so-so November, he’s shooting 62% from the field this month and 55% on triples, benefitting from Harden’s playmaking. He’s also padded his stats with at least seven free throws in five of his last six games.
With George set to be a game-time decision due to a hip injury, Kawhi could be in line for even more touches — and perhaps as many as 20 shots. I see him feasting in matchups against Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr.
These teams know each other well from some epic playoff battles, but I expect Leonard to have the upper hand tonight. I’m jumping on these NBA odds for the Over on his points prop.
My best bet: Kawhi Leonard Over 28.5 points (-108 at Caesars)
Clippers vs Mavericks same-game parlay
Kawhi Leonard Over 28.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Over 6.5 rebounds
Clippers -3.5
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I’m sticking with Kawhi for my SGP and taking the Over on his rebounds as well. I expect Doncic to look for switches to get away from Leonard, and that sets up The Claw to be a help defender and rebounder.
Leonard had seven rebounds against the Pacers last time out, and there could be more boards up for grabs in this matchup if L.A. leans on smaller lineups to avoid mismatches with Ivica Zubac stuck guarding Luka on the perimeter.
I’m also wagering on the visitors to extend their winning run. The Clippers have covered the spread in five of the last seven meetings between these teams, and they won the most recent matchup 107-88 in late November.
With the Mavericks’ injury woes, it’s a big ask for Doncic to keep Dallas close tonight, and I expect L.A.’s depth — headlined by Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell — to be key in nailing this small spread.
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Clippers vs Mavericks spread and Over/Under analysis
These teams bring matching 16-10 records into tonight’s showdown, but the formbook is heavily in L.A.’s favor. The Clippers’ offense has come alive in a big way, and the visitors have scored 295 points across their last two outings.
In that sense, it’s no surprise to see L.A. listed as the favorite, even with question marks over George’s availability. With Doncic likely to be a solo act, the Clippers’ firepower looks deeper and more balanced.
The visitors’ 5-7 road record is a concern and six of their wins on the current streak came at home. But the good habits carried over in Indiana on Monday and I’m counting on another big night from Leonard here.
As you might expect, we’ve got a hefty line for tonight’s total. The Clippers are rolling offensively, scoring 117 points or more in all of their last six games and blowing past that number in a couple of those outings.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are coming off some erratic shooting nights but their defensive flaws tend to keep the Over in play. It’s 7-3 in their last 10 games. That picture flips, though, when it comes to the teams’ past 10 meetings, where the Under is 7-3.
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Clippers vs Mavericks betting trend to know
The Clippers are fast starters on their travels and have cashed the first-half moneyline in 18 of their last 27 road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Mavericks.
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Clippers vs Mavericks game info
| Location: | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| Date: | Wednesday, December 20, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Sports SoCal, Bally Sports Southwest-Dallas |
Clippers vs Mavericks latest injuries
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