The Clippers begin their quest for a first-ever NBA title on Monday when they face the Mavericks in the first round of their best-of-7 Western Conference playoff series in Orlando.
The Clips are solid game and series favourites on the NBA odds.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
This is the last of four games from the Orlando bubble on Monday as the NBA playoffs begin. Anyone for a Kawhi Leonard vs. the Raptors NBA Finals? Certainly possible as both clubs are the second seeds in their respective conferences. Only a handful of players could repeat as NBA champions this season with the vast majority of those still on the Raptors. Of course, Kawhi was the biggest reason Toronto won its first title a year ago, but the Dinos have barely missed a beat without the All-Star.
Not only have the Clippers never won an NBA title, they have yet to reach the Western Conference Finals. Most project them to do so this summer and have an epic battle of L.A. with the top-seeded Lakers for a trip to the NBA Finals.
Dallas is in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and hasn’t won a series since Dirk Nowitzki led a somewhat surprising run to the NBA title in 2011.
It’s the first-ever playoff matchup between these franchises. The Clippers are 6-4 ATS in the past 10 regular season meetings. L.A. won all three this season vs. Dallas.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs are led by the brightest young star in the NBA in 21-year-old Luka Doncic, who seems destined to win at least one league MVP Award in his career barring injury. Doncic averaged 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists this season and led the league with 17 triple-doubles. He has had two of those in the restart, including a historic 34-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist line on Aug. 4 vs. Sacramento. Doncic became the youngest player ever with a 30-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist triple-double.
The Mavs lost to the Clippers in the bubble on Aug. 6, 126-111, with Doncic having 29 points, six assists and three rebounds. He averaged 29.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in the three games overall vs. the Clippers. His co-star, Kristaps Porzingis, averaged 18.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in the season series. Dallas is relatively healthy, although reserve guard Jalen Brunson is not with the team in Orlando due to shoulder surgery and backup centre Willie Cauley-Stein opted out of the restart.
Los Angeles Clippers
Take little from what the Clippers have done so far in the bubble as they were essentially locked into the West’s No. 2 seed from the get-go. The have two injury questions for the playoffs: point guard Patrick Beverley (calf) and shooting guard Landry Shamet (sprained left foot). Beverley is one of the best on-ball defenders in the league – L.A. has three stellar defensive players in Beverley, Leonard and Paul George. Kawhi averaged 31.0 points and 8.3 rebounds this year vs. Dallas. George put up 25.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists but missed one of the three games.
The team added some scoring right before the shutdown in signing guard Reggie Jackson after he was bought out by the Pistons. Jackson would start if Beverley misses time. There is no deeper team than the Clippers, who have easily the NBA’s best bench (it leads the league in reserve scoring by far) led by Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, both finalists for the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Because of a death in the family, Harrell didn’t arrive to the bubble until last Monday but is good to go.
Who Will Win Mavericks vs. Clippers?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 15 Aug 7:47am | DAL | -6 -110 | O +231 -110 |
| Closing 17 Aug 10:27pm | DAL | -7 -110 | O +230 -110 |
Injuries
Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG)
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Trey Burke (PG)
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Trey Burke (PG)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Trey Burke (PG)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Trey Burke (PG)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Patrick Beverley (PG)
Paul George (SF)
Landry Shamet (PG)
Paul George (SF)
Patrick Beverley (PG)
Amir Coffey (SG)
Lou Williams (SG)
Patrick Beverley (PG)
Ivica Zubac (C)
Montrezl Harrell (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG) | Prob Sun | Neck - 29 / 08 / 20 | 0-0 | 0-0 | + - |
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Hardaway Jr. is hampered by a cervical strain, but he is expected to be active for Game 6 of the Western Conference first round versus the Clippers. |
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| Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) | Prob Sun | Hip - 26 / 08 / 20 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
Finney-Smith is tending to a left hip strain and right hip soreness. It is anticipated that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference first round versus the Clippers. |
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| Trey Burke (PG) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 26 / 08 / 20 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
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Burke is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but he is likely to face the Clippers in Game 6 of the Western Conference first round. |
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| Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) | Prob Tues | Hip - 25 / 08 / 20 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
Finney-Smith is bothered by a left hip strain and right hip soreness. It is anticipated that he will be active for Game 5 of the Western Conference first round versus the Clippers. |
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| Trey Burke (PG) | Prob Tues | Ankle - 24 / 08 / 20 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
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Burke is expected to play in Game 5 of the Western Conference first round despite a left ankle sprain. |
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| Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | out for season | Knee - 22 / 08 / 20 | 2-2 | 4-0 | + - |
|
Porzingis is sidelined with a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee and will miss the remainder of the Western Conference first round. |
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| Trey Burke (PG) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 22 / 08 / 20 | 2-2 | 4-0 | + - |
|
Burke is expected to suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers despite a left ankle sprain. |
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| Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Fri | Heel - 20 / 08 / 20 | 2-3 | 4-1 | + - |
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Porzingis is likely to take on the Clippers in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round despite a left heel contusion. |
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| Trey Burke (PG) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 20 / 08 / 20 | 2-3 | 4-1 | + - |
|
Burke is expected to suit up for Game 3 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers despite a left ankle sprain. |
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| Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Wed | Knee - 18 / 08 / 20 | 2-4 | 4-2 | + - |
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Porzingis is nursing a sore right knee, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round. |
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| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Beverley (PG) | Prob Thurs | Calf - 19 / 08 / 20 | 6-6 | 4-6-2 | + - |
|
Beverley has a left calf strain, but he is expected to suit up for Game 1 of the Western Conference second round versus the Nuggets. |
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| Paul George (SF) | day-to-day | Rest - 14 / 08 / 20 | 8-6 | 5-7-2 | + - |
|
George did not play the previous game as he was resting. It is unknown when he will return to the lineup. |
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| Landry Shamet (PG) | Ques Mon | Foot - 11 / 08 / 20 | 8-7 | 6-7-2 | + - |
|
Shamet has a sprained left foot, and it is uncertain if he will face the Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
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| Paul George (SF) | day-to-day | Rest - 09 / 08 / 20 | 9-7 | 7-7-2 | + - |
|
George will not be in the lineup Sunday against the Nets, as he will receive the day off for rest. |
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| Patrick Beverley (PG) | Out indefinitely | Calf - 04 / 08 / 20 | 11-8 | 9-8-2 | + - |
|
Beverley is sidelined with a left calf strain, and team officials have yet to provide an exact return date. |
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| Amir Coffey (SG) | Prob Sat | Hip - 31 / 07 / 20 | 12-8 | 9-9-2 | + - |
|
Coffey is dealing with a left hip pointer, but he is expected to be available for Saturday's contest against the Pelicans. |
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| Lou Williams (SG) | Prob Tues | Personal - 24 / 07 / 20 | 12-8 | 9-9-2 | + - |
|
Williams has missed the last two games as he is following NBA protocol and self isolating. He is expected to be cleared to return for Tuesday's matchup with the Suns. |
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| Patrick Beverley (PG) | Doub Thurs | Personal - 21 / 07 / 20 | - | - | + - |
|
Beverley has returned to the team after an urgent family matter but is now self isolating. It is unlikely that he will line up against the Lakers on Thursday. |
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| Ivica Zubac (C) | Ques Thurs | Illness - 21 / 07 / 20 | - | - | + - |
|
Zubac has rejoined the team after healing from a bout of COVID-19, but it is unclear if he will take the court Thursday versus the Lakers. |
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| Montrezl Harrell (PF) | Prob Mon | Personal - 17 / 07 / 20 | - | - | + - |
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Harrell is going through quarantine, but it is projected that he will take part in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Mavericks. |
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Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 15 Aug 7:47am DAL -6 -110 O +231 -110 Closing 17 Aug 10:27pm DAL -7 -110 O +230 -110 -
Injuries
Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG)
Prob Sun Neck - 29 / 08 / 20Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Prob Sun Hip - 26 / 08 / 20Trey Burke (PG)
Prob Sun Ankle - 26 / 08 / 20Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Prob Tues Hip - 25 / 08 / 20Trey Burke (PG)
Prob Tues Ankle - 24 / 08 / 20Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
out for season Knee - 22 / 08 / 20Trey Burke (PG)
Prob Sun Ankle - 22 / 08 / 20Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Fri Heel - 20 / 08 / 20Trey Burke (PG)
Prob Fri Ankle - 20 / 08 / 20Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Wed Knee - 18 / 08 / 20Patrick Beverley (PG)
Prob Thurs Calf - 19 / 08 / 20Paul George (SF)
day-to-day Rest - 14 / 08 / 20Landry Shamet (PG)
Ques Mon Foot - 11 / 08 / 20Paul George (SF)
day-to-day Rest - 09 / 08 / 20Patrick Beverley (PG)
Out indefinitely Calf - 04 / 08 / 20Amir Coffey (SG)
Prob Sat Hip - 31 / 07 / 20Lou Williams (SG)
Prob Tues Personal - 24 / 07 / 20Patrick Beverley (PG)
Doub Thurs Personal - 21 / 07 / 20Ivica Zubac (C)
Ques Thurs Illness - 21 / 07 / 20Montrezl Harrell (PF)
Prob Mon Personal - 17 / 07 / 20Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG) Prob Sun Neck - 29 / 08 / 20 0-0 0-0 + - Hardaway Jr. is hampered by a cervical strain, but he is expected to be active for Game 6 of the Western Conference first round versus the Clippers.
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) Prob Sun Hip - 26 / 08 / 20 1-1 2-0 + - Finney-Smith is tending to a left hip strain and right hip soreness. It is anticipated that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference first round versus the Clippers.
Trey Burke (PG) Prob Sun Ankle - 26 / 08 / 20 1-1 2-0 + - Burke is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but he is likely to face the Clippers in Game 6 of the Western Conference first round.
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) Prob Tues Hip - 25 / 08 / 20 1-1 2-0 + - Finney-Smith is bothered by a left hip strain and right hip soreness. It is anticipated that he will be active for Game 5 of the Western Conference first round versus the Clippers.
Trey Burke (PG) Prob Tues Ankle - 24 / 08 / 20 1-1 2-0 + - Burke is expected to play in Game 5 of the Western Conference first round despite a left ankle sprain.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) out for season Knee - 22 / 08 / 20 2-2 4-0 + - Porzingis is sidelined with a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee and will miss the remainder of the Western Conference first round.
Trey Burke (PG) Prob Sun Ankle - 22 / 08 / 20 2-2 4-0 + - Burke is expected to suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers despite a left ankle sprain.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Fri Heel - 20 / 08 / 20 2-3 4-1 + - Porzingis is likely to take on the Clippers in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round despite a left heel contusion.
Trey Burke (PG) Prob Fri Ankle - 20 / 08 / 20 2-3 4-1 + - Burke is expected to suit up for Game 3 of the Western Conference first round against the Clippers despite a left ankle sprain.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Wed Knee - 18 / 08 / 20 2-4 4-2 + - Porzingis is nursing a sore right knee, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Patrick Beverley (PG) Prob Thurs Calf - 19 / 08 / 20 6-6 4-6-2 + - Beverley has a left calf strain, but he is expected to suit up for Game 1 of the Western Conference second round versus the Nuggets.
Paul George (SF) day-to-day Rest - 14 / 08 / 20 8-6 5-7-2 + - George did not play the previous game as he was resting. It is unknown when he will return to the lineup.
Landry Shamet (PG) Ques Mon Foot - 11 / 08 / 20 8-7 6-7-2 + - Shamet has a sprained left foot, and it is uncertain if he will face the Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Paul George (SF) day-to-day Rest - 09 / 08 / 20 9-7 7-7-2 + - George will not be in the lineup Sunday against the Nets, as he will receive the day off for rest.
Patrick Beverley (PG) Out indefinitely Calf - 04 / 08 / 20 11-8 9-8-2 + - Beverley is sidelined with a left calf strain, and team officials have yet to provide an exact return date.
Amir Coffey (SG) Prob Sat Hip - 31 / 07 / 20 12-8 9-9-2 + - Coffey is dealing with a left hip pointer, but he is expected to be available for Saturday's contest against the Pelicans.
Lou Williams (SG) Prob Tues Personal - 24 / 07 / 20 12-8 9-9-2 + - Williams has missed the last two games as he is following NBA protocol and self isolating. He is expected to be cleared to return for Tuesday's matchup with the Suns.
Patrick Beverley (PG) Doub Thurs Personal - 21 / 07 / 20 - - + - Beverley has returned to the team after an urgent family matter but is now self isolating. It is unlikely that he will line up against the Lakers on Thursday.
Ivica Zubac (C) Ques Thurs Illness - 21 / 07 / 20 - - + - Zubac has rejoined the team after healing from a bout of COVID-19, but it is unclear if he will take the court Thursday versus the Lakers.
Montrezl Harrell (PF) Prob Mon Personal - 17 / 07 / 20 - - + - Harrell is going through quarantine, but it is projected that he will take part in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Mavericks.