Luka Doncic was the first player to score 40 points in his playoff debut but it was in a losing effort. The Mavs look to even the series on Wednesday.
The second-seeded Los Angeles Clippers look to take a 2-0 lead over the No. 7 Dallas Mavericks in their best-of-7 NBA Western Conference playoff series on Wednesday night from the bubble in Orlando. It’s the latest of the four games with a 9 ET tip, and the Clippers are favoured on the NBA odds.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
We projected the Clippers to win Game by a score of 116-110 – and they won it 118-110. L.A. was a 6.5-point favourite and was able to cover the spread (all four favourites covered in Monday’s NBA action) thanks to two Kawhi Leonard free throws with about eight seconds left. Dallas then missed a long 3-pointer before time expired.
The Clippers are +150 co-favourites with the Los Angeles Lakers to win the Western Conference, which is something the Clips have never done. They could be favoured by late Tuesday night if the Lakers lose Game 1 of their series to the Portland Trail Blazers. Dallas is +2500 to win the West. The Mavericks have failed to cover the past five meetings.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is probably going to win at least one NBA title over the next decade or so as long as incomparable 21-year-old superstar Luka Doncic stays healthy. With all due respect to Leonard and Paul George, Doncic was the best player on the floor in Game 1 with 42 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals – although he did turn the ball over a whopping 11 times (career high). Doncic joined Magic Johnson, LeBron James (twice) and Tracy McGrady as the only players to score 40 points at the age of 21 or younger in an NBA postseason game. Doncic was the first player to score 40 points in his playoff debut.
He didn’t get much help, though, especially when the team’s second-best player, big man Kristaps Porzingis, was ejected in the third quarter after picking up a second technical foul. It was nothing that should get him suspended for Game 2. The Mavs are 2-5 ATS in their past seven as underdogs.
Los Angeles Clippers
Leonard was also fantastic in his Clippers playoff debut with 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals. George added 27 points. Marcus Morris had 19 points and six rebounds and helped play good defence on Doncic, who was 3-for-6 shooting with four turnovers when guarded by Morris. Guards Patrick Beverley and Landry Shamet were both in question due to injury but both played. Excellent bench player Montrezl Harrell didn’t play in the regular-season restart in the bubble due to the death of his grandmother, but he was in there Monday and had six points in 15 minutes.
The Clippers outscored Dallas by 13 after the Porzingis ejection, going from five points down to the eight-point victory. The Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their past six games.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Mavericks vs. Clippers?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 18 Aug 12:38pm | DAL | -6.5 -110 | O +231 -110 |
| Closing 19 Aug 11:23pm | DAL | -5.5 -110 | O +231.5 -115 |
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 | + - |
|
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 | + - |
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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 | + - |
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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 | + - |
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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 | - | - | + - |
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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 18 Aug 12:38pm DAL -6.5 -110 O +231 -110 Closing 19 Aug 11:23pm DAL -5.5 -110 O +231.5 -115 -
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.