Tonight’s NBA playoff slate features a crucial Game 5 clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers.
My Mavericks vs. Clippers predictions expect P.J. Washington to continue his scoring ways for Dallas, and you can find out all about it in my NBA picks for this May 1 tilt below.
Mavericks vs Clippers predictions
My best bet
P.J. Washington Over 10.5 points (-115 at DraftKings)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
P.J. Washington is making an impact on and off the court in the NBA Playoffs.
The Dallas Mavericks forward has been one of the best two-way players in the opening-round series with the Los Angeles Clippers and vaulted to internet fame with his meme-worthy pose in Game 3’s win.
Washington, who averaged just under 13 points during the regular season, has scored double figures in each of the past four games and is coming off a 4-for-9 Game 4 over a series-high 41 minutes.
Washington and the Mavs face a smaller Clippers rotation in Game 5, with L.A. star forward Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to knee pain. Los Angeles supplants Leonard with shooting guard Amir Coffey in the starting five.
That shift makes L.A. far less effective on the glass, opening up chances for Washington to score on offensive putbacks, and stretches the matchups against the versatile forward, who can body smaller checks (like James Harden) and face-up against bigger ones.
Washington’s scoring prop is sitting at 10.5 points Over/Under, a point shorter than his totals for the first four games of the series. However, the minutes will continue to come for him (due to his defensive efforts), and player projections are very bullish on Washington’s performance tonight.
Of the models consulted, all called for at least 12 points, with a ceiling of 14 points over 36+ minutes of floor time. My number comes out to 13.4 points, which is more than enough to push pass his point total.
Given that forecast, the Over 10.5 points should be priced in the -200 range. Some shops are up to 11.5 O/U, while sharper sportsbooks are high on Washington’s Over 10.5, with the juice closer to -140. But you can find -115 vig on Over 10.5 points as of Wednesday morning.
Mavericks vs Clippers same-game parlay (SGP)
P.J. Washington Over 10.5 Points
Russell Westbrook Over 8.5 Points
Over 207.5
Washington is projected for as many as 14 points against his shortest scoring prop of the series. His defense keeps his minutes high in Game 5.
Westbrook will get extra run with Leonard out of the lineup. He’s forecasted for 10+ points off the bench for L.A. tonight.
We’re seeing a big swing in the total for this series, down to 207.5 after a Game number of 221.5. With a rusty Leonard not burning up possessions (11-for-24 in series), I expect a more efficient offense from the Clips.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Mavericks vs Clippers odds
Mavericks vs Clippers live odds
Get the latest Mavericks vs Clippers NBA playoff odds for Game 5.
Mavericks vs Clippers opening odds
- Spread: Dallas -2 (-105) | Los Angeles -2 (-105)
- Moneyline: Dallas -126 | Los Angeles +114
- Over/Under: Over 209.5 (-106) | Under 209.5 (-106)
Mavericks vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis
• Following the Clippers’ 116-111 win in Dallas, the NBA odds opened Los Angeles as a 2-point underdog at home in Game 5, and that crept to +2.5 with early play on the visitor. Leonard was officially ruled out on Tuesday afternoon, and that announcement prompted a jump to Dallas -3.5.
• The Over/Under total for Game 5 hit the board as high as 210.5 but has since slipped to 209.5 points before sinking to 208 after Leonard’s status was announced. Should the Over/Under close there or shorter, it would be the lowest total for the series.
• Covers Consensus data shows 53% of picking laying the points with the road favorite in Game 5, along with 64% of picks on the total backing the Over, following the higher-scoring result in Game 4.
Mavericks vs Clippers trend
The Dallas Mavericks have covered the spread in 26 of their last 37 games (+13.90 Units). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Clippers.
Mavericks vs Clippers game info
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Wednesday, 5-1-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
Mavericks vs Clippers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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