Clippers vs. Mavericks Betting Preview | Expert Pick & Analysis

Los Angeles Clippers (16-10 SU, 13-13 ATS) vs. Dallas Mavericks (16-10 SU, 14-12 ATS)

When: Wednesday, December 20th, 8:30 PM (ET)

Where: American Airlines Center, TX, Dallas

TV: BSSW

Point Spread: LAC -3.5/Dal +3.5

Total: 239.5

Money Line: Los Angeles Clippers -157/+130

Notable Injuries

Clippers

• Mason Plumlee (Out) Knee
• Paul George (Questionable) Illness
• Bones Hyland (Questionable) Knee
• Moussa Diabate (Out) Hip

Mavericks

• Kyrie Irving (Out) Foot
• Maxi Kleber (Out) Toe
• Josh Green (Out) Elbow
• Dereck Lively II (Out) Ankle

Recent Form

Coming into today’s matchup with the Mavericks, the Clippers have an overall record of 16-10. Within the Western Conference, the Clippers are 13-8 while going 3-2 in non-conference games.

The Mavericks (16-10, 5th in the West) clash with the Clippers tonight, aiming to keep their winning record afloat. In the Southwest division, the Mavericks are in 1st place.

The Historicals

In terms of betting, Los Angeles has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous 5 matchups vs Dallas. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +4 points per game in favor of the Clippers. The over-under record in these same games is 1-4, with the teams combining for an average of 220 points per game.

Analysis

In their latest game, the Clippers offense put up 151 points against the Pacers. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 57.1% and made 19 threes. Currently leading the team in scoring is Kawhi Leonard who comes into today’s matchup averaging 24.2. Paul George also heads into the game with a PPG average of 22.9.

So far this season, the Clippers defense has been performing well, ranking 6 in the NBA at 110.7 points allowed per contest.

In terms of two point field goal attempts, the Clippers defense has allowed a shooting percentage of 52.4% while allowing 34.7% from downtown.

Coming off their recent game, the Mavericks offense tallied 104 points in a matchup against the Nuggets. Their field goal percentage for the game was 44.6%, and they made 13 threes. Luka Doncic was the leading scorer for the Mavericks, putting up 38 points. In addition, Dante Exum contributed 11 points.

Looking at the Mavericks defense, they will be looking for a better performance considering they are currently conceding 117.6 points per game (22).

Dallas’ defense is currently forcing 11.6 turnovers per game, which is 3rd in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 24th in blocked shots, with an average of 4.4 rejections per game.

Betting Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Clippers have a straight-up record of 5-5 while going 5-5 vs. the spread. The team averaged 117 points per game in this stretch.
• The Mavericks are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting underdog, the Mavericks have gone 1-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-4.
• As the betting favorite, the Clippers have an ATS record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight-up record was 3-0.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Even if Paul George isn’t at 100% for this one, I still like the Clippers to pick up a win and cover the spread vs. a Mavericks squad still without Kyrie Irving. Look for the Clippers to jump ahead of the Mavs in the Western Conference standings, as they both come into today’s game at 16-10.