Mavericks Set to Tie Series in Game 2
Mavericks vs Clippers Odds: Mavs Looking to Right Ship
The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers headline action on Tuesday in Game 2 of their Western Conference series.
Mavericks vs Clippers odds have the Mavericks favored to win despite losing the opening game, and LA didn’t have Kawhi Leonard.
Expectations are high for the road team, which makes for an intriguing game at Crypto.com Arena.
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers 
Day/Time:
Location: Crypto.com Arena
Streaming: Hulu + Live TV
The Stars Need Help
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving did all they could do in a 109-97 loss on Sunday, but the supporting cast needs to help.
Doncic had 33 points and Irving 31, but the only other scorer in double figures was P.J. Washington with 11 points. Sure, Doncic and Irving take most of the shots, but they can’t be asked to do everything.
The NBA playoffs picture won’t look bright if the Mavericks fall to 0-2, so there is a stack of pressure on them to perform in Game 2.
Scoring under 100 points isn’t great for their offense. They are used to scoring big totals and not showing much on defense, so to score just 97 points is a huge concern ahead of an all-important Game 2.
There is also concerns that the Clippers didn’t have Leonard, so if he returns on Tuesday, that will make life harder for Dallas.
However, as Mavericks vs Clippers odds suggest, most of the betting confidence is with the Mavericks at -2.5.
It’s a fair line for a team that was the series favorite, and losing one game shouldn’t change that too much. However, if Doncic and Irving don’t get much help, the series and their NBA title hopes could be over before they know it.
Clippers Make Early Statement
They started Game 1 as the betting underdogs, but the Clippers came out fast and never looked like losing.
It was a great performance without their leader, but it was a great team effort, and that often wins NBA playoff games.
Despite their standings in NBA looking grim without Leonard, the Clippers showed good fight, which is unusual for them. They aren’t the most mentally strong team in the NBA, so it was good to see them knuckle down.
Despite the victory, Mavericks vs Clippers odds aren’t giving them much respect. They could be without Leonard again, but it was James Harden stepping up in his absence, and that’s the luxury the Clippers have.
Trading for Harden was always going to be risky, but he’s still good enough to take over the game and score buckets. Should we expect the same in Game 2? No, but it should give the Clippers confidence.
They could play with a chip on their shoulder as +2.5 underdogs. Despite winning the opening game and playing at home, they’re still not favored to win.
That’s uncommon during the playoffs, and it’s tough not to include them in NBA predictions. However, often when a player is injured, they play better in the first game compared to the second.
Fatigue could set it, which is why there is trepidation in betting markets.
Putting Our Faith in Dallas
We don’t think there will be much consistency throughout this Western Conference series, which adds to our confidence in backing the Mavericks.
We’re happy to ride the market confidence with Doncic and his men, and it was good to see him play well in the opening contest.
The Mavericks are a two player team, and that’s always risky, but they only need a little bit of support from their teammates.
There is solid value with the -2.5 line, but it’s likely to move depending on Leonard’s status.
Over 214 is also included in our NBA picks. The line opened at 213 before immediately moving, as most bettors expect the Mavericks to score a much higher total than 97 points.
We also like Irving to top score in the game. He comes off a 31-point effort, and he could set the box score alight again.
For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
