Starting the playoffs, the Clippers got off to a rough start losing the first two games of the series at home. They fought back to tie the series before failing to secure a victory in game 5 and losing home-court advantage as they found themselves down 3-2.
From the looks of how this series started, it was beginning to look like the Clippers were headed towards being swept. Dallas let a 2-0 series lead crumble, losing both games at home, and while Luka Doncic was dealing with an injury, teammates were unable to step up and provide scoring.
LA Clippers Preview: How do they respond in an elimination game
For the second straight season, the Clippers have struggled mightily in the postseason as being considered part of the early season favorites to make a push for an NBA title. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have played pretty well to start the NBA playoffs, but the rest of the team has struggled to make any kind of contribution and put points on the board.
Rondo had played significant minutes off the bench as the sixth man in the first four games but was not the best version of himself in game 5. He was 0-6 from the field in 21 minutes of action.
Kawhi Leonard is the player to watch as he has to be the man to turn things around for his team. He has been brilliant so far but finding a way to get the rest of the team involved will help this team go a long way the rest of the playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks Preview: One more big game from Luka to close out the series
These two teams met in the playoffs last year in the first round, with the Clippers sending the Mavericks home in the bubble of 2020. The Mavericks are one win away from getting their revenge against the Clippers and sending them home this year.
The Mavericks continue to be bailed out by their guard play, with the frontcourt providing very little production in this series. Head coach Rick Carlisle is a championship coach, and with a roster that features one of the best players in the game today in Luka Donicic, the experience to lead this group to another deep run is there.
Kristaps Porzingis has played very poorly, averaging just under 14 points per game in this series. If the Mavericks are hoping to close out this series and make a deep run in the playoffs, they are going to need him to find his game.
Mavericks vs Clippers Betting Lines & Odds
The Clippers are 2.5 point favorites on the road in game 6 of their first-round series against the Mavericks.
Dallas has all momentum as they will be looking to deliver the final knockout in front of the home crowd. Neither of these teams has played well at home in the playoffs, but Dallas has a chance to change it.
The Clippers are loaded with talent and arguably more than the Mavericks. If this team is hoping to make it out the first round, the supporting cast is going to need to contribute and find a way to contain Doncic as he has had his way throughout this series despite dealing with an injury. The Clippers have a long road to climb, needing to win two games if they want to advance, but it starts on the defensive end.
Free Betting Pick:
LA Clippers -2.5