They can no longer earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but the Los Angeles Clippers would love to earn the No. 2 or No. 3 seed. That would ensure they avoid their city rivals until at least the Western Conference Finals, boosting their chances at becoming the preeminent team in both the city and the NBA. The Clippers bounced back with their loss to the Lakers on Thursday by thrashing New Orleans on Saturday night, and they want to keep that momentum going against Dallas on Thursday evening. This game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET, and it will be broadcasted by TNT.
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Head-To-Head Results to Date
The Clip Show won both of its meetings against Dallas this season, going on the road to win both games. Kawhi Leonard thrived in both games, leading his team in scoring both nights to pick up victories in the Lone Star State.
The enigmatic Leonard went 11 of 21 from the floor and scored 28 points in the first meeting, while both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis struggled for Dallas. Doncic and Porzingis combined to go 8 of 27 from the floor, so the Mavericks finished the game with under 100 points.
Doncic played much better in the second game, nearly recording a triple double with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, but it wasn’t enough. Porzingis struggled mightily once again, as the Clippers overcame off nights from Leonard, Lou Williams, and Montrezl Harrell to get the win.
Injury Report
The Clippers are hoping that Lou Williams will be cleared for this game. Williams left the bubble a couple weeks ago, and he is currently questionable for Tuesday’s game with Phoenix as he continues to be monitored. His return would be crucial since the team is unlikely to have Montrezl Harrell.
Willie Caulie-Stein and Dwight Howell are out for the remainder of the season for Dallas, depriving the Mavericks of two of their top big men. Courtney Lee and Jalen Brunson are also long-term injuries, while Seth Curry is doubtful to play due to a leg issue.
Game Preview
Leonard is managing his minutes in order to be at 100 percent for the season, even after the four months away from the court. He was on the court for a total of 60 minutes in the Clippers’ first two games, so don’t expect him to play 35 minutes or more in this one given what worked so well for he and Toronto last year. Leonard will certainly get his numbers though, as he is still averaging 26.8 PPG.
The absence of Williams meant that Paul George took on an even bigger roll in the Clippers’ previous two games, and he lit up the scoreboard from downtown on Saturday. George was 8 of 11 from beyond the arc against the Pelicans, as the Clips led by 37 points at the start of the fourth quarter in an easy win.
Doncic is the key to everything for the Mavericks. He has surpassed all expectations for his second season after winning Rookie of the Year last year, and he might already be one of the five best players in the league. Doncic is averaging 28.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and 8.8 APG, and he is incredibly efficient although he is the Mavericks’ main weapon opposing teams try to stop.
X-Factor
Porzingis is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, so he will need to shake off his two previous poor performances against the Clippers. There is no other player that can play the wing like Porzingis at 7’3, and the Mavericks will want him to stretch the floor.
Prediction
The third time is a charm, and the Mavericks will pick up the victory this time behind a much better game from Porzingis.
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