Dallas Mavericks (29-26) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (31-26)
The 2022-23 NBA season goes on Wednesday, February 8, with the Dallas Mavericks taking on the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference showdown at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Dallas and LA wrap up their four-game regular-season set, and the Clippers look to clinch it after winning two of their previous three encounters with the Mavericks. LA misses John Wall (abdomen), while Dallas cannot count on Luka Doncic (heel), Davis Bertans (calf), and Maxi Kleber (hamstring).
The Mavs hope to see Kyrie Irving in action
The Dallas Mavericks (29-26; 19-33-3 ATS) are coming off Monday’s 124-111 victory over the Utah Jazz. After opening a five-game road trip with a 119-113 defeat at the Golden State Warriors this past Saturday, Dallas returned to the winning path despite missing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who’s expected to make his Mavericks debut Wednesday in Los Angeles.
The Mavs erased a 12-point deficit in Salt Lake City, holding the Jazz to 49 second-half points. Dallas went 15-for-39 from beyond the arc and 27-for-31 from the foul line while posting 17 offensive rebounds and a 26/14 assist-to-turnover ratio. Josh Green led the Mavs with 29 points and a ridiculous plus-39 net rating, Jaden Hardy had 29 points and a plus-23 net rating, and Dwight Powell double-doubled with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
“The guys believed and Josh set the tone,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “He understands how to play and he’s not afraid of the moment.”
A pair of career-high 2️⃣9️⃣ points for the boys 🪣 #MFFL pic.twitter.com/5LuZkGJAGm
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 7, 2023
Dallas is now tied with Phoenix for the No. 5 seed in the West. The Mavericks score 116.0 points per 100 possessions (tied-7th in the NBA) and surrender 115.4 points in return (24th). They continue to lean on 3-point shooting, taking 41.7 attempts from deep per 100 possessions (tied-2nd).
The Clippers start a three-game homestand
The Los Angeles Clippers (31-26; 29-28 ATS) closed down a six-game road trip this past Monday, outlasting the undermanned Brooklyn Nets 124-116 as 8.5-point road favorites. It was their second straight victory and the eighth in ten games, as the Clippers overcame Cam Thomas’ 47-point performance.
LA allowed Brooklyn to score just three points in the final 3:29 of the fourth quarter. The Clippers finished the game with a 47.8 field-goal percentage and a 20/9 assist-to-turnover ratio. Paul George led the way with 29 points, Kawhi Leonard notched 24 points and six assists, while Ivica Zubac posted a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds.
“Their objective was to come in and play hard and go hard, and they did that,” George said. “I thought it was a good experience for us to get good possessions down the stretch.”
Going home with a dub!
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 7, 2023
📼 @honey highlights vs. Nets pic.twitter.com/6tBtyCoMjh
The Clippers hold the No. 4 seed in the West, one game ahead of the Mavericks. LA scores 113.4 points per 100 possessions (tied-21st in the NBA) and allows 113.1 points in return (10th). The Clippers make 37.8% of their 3-pointers (6th) while holding their opponents to 35.9% shooting from beyond the arc (tied-13th).
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
The Clippers have played very well of late. They are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in the last ten games overall, so I would take the Clippers even if Kyrie Irving suits up for the Mavericks. Luka Doncic’s absence is a big blow for Dallas’ offense, and the Clippers are capable of playing tough, aggressive defense.
LA beat Dallas twice in January, 113-101 at home and 112-98 on the road. Kawhi Leonard has hit a 30-point mark on both occasions, and I’m expecting another strong performance from The Claw. The Mavericks, on the other side, are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 outings on the road and 1-4 ATS in their previous five encounters with the Clippers.
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Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
I’m not expecting to see a high-scoring affair. The Mavericks, who play at the second-slowest pace in the league, are without their leading scorer and best player. Dallas tallies just 95.8 possessions per 48 minutes, while the Clippers record 97.5 possessions per 48 minutes (25th in the NBA).
The total has gone under in six of the Mavericks’ last nine games overall and four of their previous five contests against the Pacific Division. Also, the under is 15-5 in LA’s last 20 home games and 4-1 in its past five dates with Dallas.
