For the third time in the last five postseasons, the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks will meet in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. This is the 4-5 matchup in 2024, with plenty at stake for both franchises. While the usual suspects like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Luka Doncic are in the fold, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are newcomers to this rivalry who can make a big impact.
Here’s an in-depth look at the matchup between the Clippers and Mavericks, along with our prediction for how the series will play out. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Clippers vs. Mavericks predictions
Odds to win series: Clippers +105, Mavericks -125
Regular season record: Clippers 51-31, Mavericks 50-32
Head-to-head record: Clippers 2-1
Since a fascinating 2020 playoff series in the Orlando bubble, these two teams have been incredibly even throughout the regular season and postseason. The result of this series could have large-scale implications for both franchises, making this a pivotal contest. Leonard should be healthy after sitting out the last few games of the regular season with knee soreness, but that could creep up as the series goes on. That’s why the Clippers made the deal for Harden. Doncic fell short in both previous instances against LA despite insane individual numbers, which is why the presence of Irving is so important. The veteran point guard has been no stranger to big playoff moments and will want to show he’s able to lift this franchise alongside Doncic. There’s plenty of star power and drama in this series, and hopefully it’ll live up to the hype for fans.
Pick: Clippers in 7 games (+340)
Most of the key players should be good to go in Game 1 after both sides got extended time off. Leonard’s knee issues hopefully won’t materialize into something more serious, but the Clippers do have enough depth with George and Harden to play one or two games without the two-time Finals MVP. As for the Mavericks they’re going to need to continue to get Doncic and Irving to buy in defensively. When both stars were locked in, the Mavericks had an insane stretch to close the season and were one of the best teams in the league in defensive rating.
This is a big series for George and Harden with free agency looming. The latter’s position seems much less secure, especially since he hasn’t exactly been a great postseason performer. Harden did have some big games a year ago in Philadelphia but seems to be a better fit as a third banana. Can he ball out and change the tide in this series early?
The road team won each of the first six games the last time these teams met in the postseason before the Clippers took Game 7 at home. While I don’t believe that will happen again, it shows how closely matched these sides really are. Ultimately, I think the Clippers have just enough of a talent edge down the rotation to make the difference in that final game. Give me LA to win in seven.