On Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks will face off against the LA Clippers for the second game of their NBA Playoffs first-round series. In Game 1, the Clippers were able to sneak out a 118-110 win.
This is an intense seven-versus-two matchup in the Western Conference. The Mavs are very talented to be a seventh seed.
Mavericks Try To Rebound
The Mavericks will try to come out on Wednesday and even up this series. Luka Doncic played well in Game 1 but needs some help this time around.
He scored 42 points on Monday, adding nine assists and seven rebounds. He has been one of the rising stars in this league, and he doesn’t shy away from the moment. He will be the constant for this team; he just needs help.
Kristaps Porzingis was kicked out of Game 1 on his second technical foul. Many fans and people around the league didn’t think too much of the call. It seemed that a technical foul was a little much for what occurred.
The Mavericks only lost by eight, so losing Porzingis for the rest of that game might’ve made the difference. Dallas could have closed the gap and won the game with Porzingis on the floor.
Tim Hardaway Jr. stepped up some last game with 18 points but needs to do even more if they want to have a chance against the Clippers.
Clippers Remain One of the Favorites
The Clippers are still one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals. This is a talented team led by superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
They have those two players that can step up, but they also have a balanced lineup. The Clippers have a deep bench and a large number of contributors.
Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams are both nominated for Sixth Man of the Year honors. These are two great players that give this team a spark.
Williams scored 14 points on Monday and has proven his scoring ability in this league. Harrell just recently returned to the bubble after being with family for his grandmother’s death. Now, he is getting back into the swing of things in the bubble.
Patrick Beverley is the lock-down defender on this team, but he lacks the size to be able to stop Doncic. Beverley will still provide a spark on the defensive end whenever he is in the game.
Prediction
Dallas has to be pretty rattled and disappointed after being so close in Game 1, especially knowing one of their best players got ejected. They either come out and use that energy as a positive, or the Clippers take control of the series.
I am leaning towards a Mavs win in this one. Doncic is too good of a player for the Clippers to sweep this series.
If the Clippers do win, it should be a close one. They don’t cover. Take the Mavericks (+6.5) for this one.