Here are The Game Day’s predictions and bets for the 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference First Round series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks in our Clippers vs Mavericks preview.
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Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction: 2021 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Bet Tips & Pick
Los Angeles Clippers 2020-2021 Season Recap
The Clippers have been very quiet this season. With the Lakers being the team that was up and down the Western Conference standings, the Clippers quietly went about their business this season, finishing with a 47-25 record, good enough for the 4th seed in the West. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George did what was expected of them this season with Leonard averaging 24.8 points per game and George averaging 23.3 points with both shooting over 50% from the floor on the year.
The Clippers lost some key pieces from last year but added a few players as well. The addition of Rajon Rondo is a huge playoff run piece. Serge Ibaka has made the Clippers better in the backcourt as his defense is something the Clippers have needed for a while. Solid minutes from him have been a big help for the Clippers getting the 4 seed this season. Reggie Jackson and Patrick Beverly are both solid defenders and can score when needed, plus the addition of Tyronn Lue coaching gives a little more freedom for Leonard to take this team into his hands and do what he needs to.
Dallas Mavericks 2020-2021 Season Recap
The Mavericks finished off this season with a solid 42-30 record and 5th in the Western conference, which is 2 spots up from the 7th place they finished last season. The Mavericks come in winners in 6 of their last 8 games, and Luka Dončić has cemented himself as a superstar in the league. Dončić is averaging 27.7 points per game to go with 8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game. He’s a knockdown shooter and a threat from anywhere on the court. Dončić has proven to be one of the hardest players to guard in the league. The Mavericks have also had a solid season out of Kristaps Porzingas, who is averaging right at 20 points and 9 boards per game.
The Mavericks have gotten so much out of their two big stars, but they are clearly missing that third piece of the puzzle. Tim Hardaway Jr. has played well, averaging 16.6 points per game, and there have been flashes from Josh Richardson and Jalen Brunson, but it seems the Mavericks are about as good as they were last season. Dallas is missing a solid center underneath that can rebound with other bigs in the West and seemed to be a streaky team this season. If Dončić is on, he’s next to impossible to stop, but if you can slow him down, the Mavericks are vulnerable.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Matchup
The Mavericks are coming into this series on a bit of a hot streak while the Clippers have been hit or miss towards the end of this season. The Mavericks hold the edge in the regular season beating the Clippers 2 out of 3 games. This is a rematch of last year’s first round matchup in which Luka had to be superhuman just to beat the Clippers twice. While the Mavs are a great team, the Clippers have too much depth and veteran leadership behind them. The Clippers also have something to prove this post season, and a determined Kawhi Leonard is scary. Also, look for Paul George to finally show up in the postseason this year.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
Los Angeles Clippers Win Series 4-2
Same result as last season. Both teams stayed about the same from last year. There were key additions and losses on both sides, but neither team got much better or worse. The key in the series will be whether the Mavericks can slow down the Clippers scoring or not and finding a 3rd man to step up and fill a needed role. Clippers finish this one in 6 and prepare for round 2.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Bet Pick
Clippers To Win Series (-375)
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Games will be close and you will see a dog fight on defense, but look for the Clippers to end this series in 6. Mavericks are good but not good enough to overcome a healthy Kawhi Leonard Paul George combo which a chip on their shoulder.
