Things are going in different directions for the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers.
On one side, the Clippers keep getting healthier. Kawhi Leonard looks renewed and ready for a playoff charge. He forms a potent core alongside James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell. Coming in as the eighth seed at 44-32, a win and a Golden State loss could see L.A. go into the weekend tied for the fifth seed.
The Mavericks, despite being the ninth seed, are a completely different class of team. They’re looking to hold off the flailing Sacramento Kings and the dead-on-arrival Phoenix Suns. Injuries and awful trade dealings find them under .500 and with little hope. Home-court advantage in a play-in game is the best they can hope for.
Despite the two different trajectories, this may very well be a potential play-in matchup. Can the Mavs show some heart and fight, or will the Clippers flex their muscles?
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Los Angeles is a -10.5 home favorite for this matchup. Let’s dig into the best player props for this contest.
Best Mavericks Prop Bets
Anthony Davis Under 21.5 Points (-110), Under 9.5 Rebounds (-140)
NOTE: Davis has been ruled out tonight.
Earlier today, I outlined why I’m fading Davis in this one. I have two words: Ivica Zubac. If you want to read more, check the link and read up.
Klay Thompson 3+ Threes Made (-115)
Somebody will surely score some points for this Mavericks squad. I’m counting on the former Warrior to get free enough for a trio of threes in this one.
He’s averaging 3.1 makes per game on the year and has cleared the mark in three straight games. Over those past three, he’s attempted 10, 12, and nine shots from distance. Klay also has six combined makes in two matchups with the Clips. With the defensive attention that will be shown to Anthony Davis, a motivated Klay will work his way open for plenty of looks, even against this elite Clippers defense.
Best Clippers Prop Bets
James Harden Over 21.5 Points and Under 9.5 Assists
Our very own Keagan Smith detailed his favorite prop bets for James Harden earlier today. Check out his work to see how to best play Uno’s lines.
Norman Powell 4+ Threes Made (+230)
Stormin’ Norman has been one of the breakout developments of the 2024-25 season. The 31-year-old is averaging a career-high 22.4 points per game for the Clippers. He’s also hitting 42% of his triples on 7.3 attempts per game, despite his recent slump.
Since returning from injury, Norm has only made 19 threes in nine games, clearing 4+ threes just twice. What’s interesting is that his attempts have been down to only 5.1 per game. Perhaps confidence is an issue in his return from the prolonged absence. Talent is not; he’s still making 41% of those looks.
I’d expect Norm to break out against a straggling Mavericks team, one that only has so many quality perimeter defenders. While they’re trying to put a lid on Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, Norm should get his shots if he wants them.
