Los Angeles @ Dallas preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 17, 2019 ) Dallas 102, L.A. Clippers 87

Hot teams with five-game winning streaks square off when the Los Angeles Clippers visit the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. The Clippers were expected to be good after the addition of forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George but the Luka Doncic-led Mavericks have been a major surprise early in the season.

Doncic enjoyed another huge outing Sunday when he had 41 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in a 137-123 road victory over the Houston Rockets and Dallas coach Rick Carlisle is attempting to temper the growing expectations for his club. "We're not going to get overexcited," Carlisle said afterward. "We know we're capable. ... The team is growing. This is a big win, there's no question about that. This is a big-time place to play, and you're playing against great players, and so our guys deserve credit. But look, this is a process, and it's day by day, week by week." Los Angeles completed a 5-0 homestand with a 134-109 lambasting of the New Orleans Pelicans and Doncic was on George's mind after the victory. "I think we understand the game and we know the dynamics of this and where he's taken his game," George told reporters of Doncic. "... I think they're really performing higher than people would expect and he's the reason for it. He's doing everything. I've been watching and keeping up and following what he's been doing. And he's doing it. He's in MVP conversations right now. It is kind of hard to not know what is going on in Dallas."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (12-5): Backup power forward Montrezl Harrell matched his career high of 34 points (on 13-of-18 shooting) and also collected 12 rebounds in another big effort against the Pelicans. Harrell has been a force by making 60.4 percent of his shots while averaging 19 points and 7.5 rebounds as he continues to improve his game. "I just really wanted to go out here and just leave it all out here on the floor," Harrell said afterward. "... I'm just really out there just having fun, taking what the defense gives me."

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (11-5): The 20-year-old Doncic has at least 30 points and 10 assists in four straight games, has scored 30 or more points nine times this season and has recorded seven triple-doubles while looking like a possible MVP candidate. "Luka runs the show," Dallas power forward Kristaps Porzingis told reporters. "We all depend on him most of the game, and he's playing incredible right now. He's getting guys open looks. ... I'm super happy for him." Porzingis is making an impact as well and recorded 23 points and 13 rebounds against Houston for his fifth double-double in the past six games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Clippers have lost their last four visits to Dallas.

2. Mavericks SG Tim Hardaway scored a season-best 31 points and matched his season high of five 3-pointers in the win over Houston.

3. Leonard (26 points) and George (18) were a combined 13-of-39 from the field against New Orleans.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 118, Clippers 112