Mavericks Favored for Game 5 in Topsy-Turvy Series
Mavericks vs Clippers Lines
We expected the Mavericks vs Clippers series to be close, and after four games, it’s all tied up.
Mavericks vs Clippers lines for Game 5 have Dallas favored by 2.5 points despite losing on their home floor in Game 4.
However, as the series has suggested, home floor doesn’t mean much as the all-important fifth NBA game approaches on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Mavericks vs Clippers 
Day/Time:
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Streaming: TNT
The Hype Continues
Despite losing 116-111 at home on Sunday, there is plenty of hype surrounding the Mavericks.
It was a disappointing loss, especially with Kawhi Leonard out of the lineup for the Clippers. However, they have beaten the Clippers on the road during the playoffs, and Leonard has chance of missing Game 5.
The Mavericks shouldn’t be focused on who is player for the Clippers. They should focus on playing their best basketball, and it was a rare rough performance for Luka Doncic, who had 29 points on 1-9 shooting from the three-point line.
However, Kyrie Irving had a big game with 40 points. He was electric, and more of the same is needed if they’re to take the series lead.
On the plus side, the Mavericks came back from a 31-point deficit to make the Clippers work for the win. They couldn’t ultimately cap off the comeback, but it showed how dangerous they can be from any point in the game.
The schedule for NBA playoffs gives these teams a few days off, and we think that helps the Mavericks. Because Irving and Doncic do most of the heavy lifting, giving them a few days to rest helps their cause.
Mavericks vs Clippers lines are right to have them at -2.5, but they must get back to their best. The Clippers can’t be slept on, so this is a high pressure game.
Clippers Showing Grit
The Clippers have been criticized for falling apart in the playoffs. 2024 might be another year where they fail in the first round, but at least they’re showing some toughness.
Without their best NBA player Leonard in Game 4, they stood up, in particular Paul George and James Harden, with the latter being underrated this NBA season.
Harden often goes under the radar, but his impact in this series has been the reason why the Clippers are tied at 2-2 against the series favorites.
NBA spreads have had the Clippers as underdogs for all four games, and nothing changes for Wednesday night’s contest. However, they 2-2 ATS, so bettors haven’t been let down.
However, the concern is that they let a 31-point lead slip on Sunday, and those lapses of concentration aren’t ideal heading into the series’ must-win games.
“We knew they would make a run,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “But also, we didn’t think we’d come into this building and be up 31 points either. So I told our team, just get the win, however you’ve got to get it. In the playoffs, it don’t matter how you win.”
We are not surprised by the Mavericks vs Clippers lines. However, we thought the sportsbook would have the Clippers favored to win at least one game.
It’s unlikely to happen, but getting points at home following a road win is tough to overlook.
Keeping the Faith with Mavs
We have picked the Mavericks to win and cover the spread so far and we’re not about to change.
They are the better NBA team in the series, and although we worry about their supporting players to Doncic and Irving, they have performed solid enough.
Our NBA picks for tonight include the Mavericks covering the -2.5 spread and over 209.5 points. It could be a high scoring contest, as it was in Game 4, and it could be an old fashioned shootout in the fourth quarter.
We picture the Mavericks having enough in the tank to see off a Clippers charge, and a well-rested Doncic should have a big scoring night.
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