The NBA Playoffs have (almost) arrived!
We’re still waiting for the No. 7 and 8 seeds in both conferences to be determined by this week’s Play-In Tournament, but in the meantime we can take an early look at the postseason matchups that have already been determined.
This week, I’m going to break down my favorite DraftKings Sportsbook bet for each established playoff series. Now, let’s dive into Mavericks vs. Clippers.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Dallas Mavericks
Series Winner: Mavericks (-110)
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The Clippers and Mavericks have seen quite a bit of each other over the last few years in the postseason, with Kawhi Leonard and company emerging victorious in 2020 and 2021.
This time, I think things are going to be different.
If you had travelled back in time just a few months ago to tell me I was taking Dallas over L.A. in the postseason, I would have called you a liar. The Clippers were rolling, while the Mavs couldn’t seem to put together a consistent week of basketball.
As the great Michael Scott said, well, well, well, how the turn tables…
Don’t be mistaken by the Mavericks’ two-game losing streak entering the postseason, it’s purely due to rest reasons. This is THE hottest team in the NBA at the moment. Prior to that recent rest stretch, Jason Kidd’s squad had won 16 of their last 18 games. Luka Doncic is in the midst of a career-best campaign, averaging a whopping 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game. Kyrie Irving has figured out how to be the perfect Robin to Luka’s Batman. P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford have proven to be strong trade deadline acquisitions. Dereck Lively II looks like a future franchise center. I could go on, but you get my point. Dallas is rolling at the right time.
The same cannot be said about the Clippers, who seem to have reverted to some of their early-season tendencies. Not only is this team lacking the necessary consistency to instill confidence in their playoff prospects, but injuries are once again an issue. Leonard is dealing with a nagging inflamed knee, while James Harden is battling a foot problem.
This matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions, and I believe the positive momentum will carry Dallas to the second round.
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*Odds and lines are for illustrative purposes only.
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All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
The contents contained in this article do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment.
