Game 3 between the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks will take place Friday as this first-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs shifts to Dallas. The Mavericks were able to get the split they wanted on the road, but we’ve seen how this series has played out in past postseasons when it comes to the road team winning games. The Clippers were unable to replicate their shooting performance from Game 1 in Game 2 and must now win on the road to reclaim homecourt advantage in the series.
Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable due to knee soreness but is expected to play after making his return in Game 2. Dallas has Daniel Gafford as questionable, while Tim Hardaway Jr. and Olivier-Maxence Prosper have been ruled out.
The Mavericks are 4.5-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook with the total set at 212.5. Dallas is -185 on the moneyline while Los Angeles is +154.
Clippers vs. Mavericks, 8 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Clippers +4.5
The Clippers were 19-12 straight up after a loss during the regular season but only went 13-18 ATS in the same situation. The Mavericks were 30-20 after a win straight up and 28-22 ATS, so both sides come into this contest with some favorable trends. Dallas was 21-20 ATS at home during the regular season while LA went 20-21 ATS on the road.
Given the history of this head-to-head matchup, I think the Clippers will at least be able to keep this close and cover the spread. The Mavericks appear to have found an edge but they still nearly gave away Game 2 late. I’ll take the Clippers to cover tonight.
Over/Under: Under 212.5
Dallas went 16-25 to the over as the home side this year, while Los Angeles was 18-22-1 to the over as the road side. Both games so far in this series have gone under this number and I think the Mavericks continue to play solid defense at home after finding their footing on that side of the floor in Game 2. Give me the under in this contest.
