There are some big NBA Playoff games set to take place on Friday night, including a big game in the Western Conference. The Los Angeles Clippers are set to visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night with the series tied up at 1-1.
Los Angeles came into this series as a slight betting favorite as they were the number four seed in the Western Conference. The Clippers were sharp in the series opener, but they lost home court advantage with a loss in Game 2.
Dallas should have finished higher than the fifth seed in the Western Conference, but they came up a bit short. The Mavericks were able to stage a late game comeback in Game 2, and they have now stolen home court advantage.
The Dallas Mavericks are 4.5-point betting favorites over the Los Angeles Clippers in this huge Game 3 showdown on Friday night.
Clippers Have to Defend
The Los Angeles Clippers are not finding a ton of rhythm on the offensive end of the floor, and this team has to get stops to win. Los Angeles has held the Mavericks to 97 points or less in each game of the series, and that will be their strategy in this game.
Kawhi Leonard made his return to the court in Game 2, but struggled to make shots as he scored just 15 total points. James Harden is leading the way with 25 points and 8 assists per game, and that is a trend that must continue.
Los Angeles is a team with a ton of veterans on the roster, and this team will need those veterans to set the tone in this game.
Mavericks Making Shots
The Dallas Mavericks can be a dangerous team to beat when they are shooting the ball well, and that has happened for much of the season. Dallas is led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and both players are having huge seasons for the Mavericks.
This dynamic duo has combined for nearly 60 points per game so far in this series, and the Clippers will likely throw some extra bodies at them at some point. The bench for the Mavericks has really struggled to step up so far in this series, but that will be something to monitor moving forward.
Dallas has been playing some great defense of late over the last few weeks, and slowing this game down and being physical will be a key.
Mavericks Win Again
This series has the potential to be one of the best in the entire First Round as there is plenty of star power on the floor. Los Angeles has gotten healthy at just the right time, but life on the road in the postseason is never easy.
Luka Doncic has been waiting for a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs, and this might be his best chance to get that done. This is going to be a series that goes the distance, but this game is going to be won by the home team.
Bet the Dallas Mavericks at -4.5 in this Game 3 on Friday night as they take a 2-1 series lead with a win on their home floor.
