After suffering a heartbreaking 122-120 loss at the hands of Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks look to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on Thursday.
Do Dirk and the Mavs have what it takes to beat a championship contender when it matters most? Read on for all the gritty details you need to bet on this game.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
When: Thursday, April 3, 2014, 10:30PM EST
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Dirk Nowitzki-led Dallas Mavericks have been one of the best scoring teams in the NBA this season, putting up 104.9 PPG, which is good for eighth-best in the league. This is thanks in large part to Mark Cuban’s main offseason acquisition, Monta Ellis, who is averaging 18.9 PPG this season.
However, in order to beat the Clippers, Dallas will have to apply pressure on defense, something they’ve struggled to do. The current No. 9 seed in the Western Conference has allowed its opponent to score at least 100 points in seven straight games. During that span, the Mavericks are 3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS, and the total has hit the over six times.
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
While the Mavericks have struggled, the Los Angeles Clippers have looked terrific, having won 17 of their last 19 games. Dating back to February 22, “Lob City” has been putting up 110.5 PPG, while limiting its opponents to just 99.7 PPG.
The Clippers will face the Mavericks a day after having to deal with the Phoenix Suns, whom they beat, 112-108, in Blake Griffin’s return to action (23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists). Coach Doc Rivers’ team has played 15 games on the second night of a back-to-back this season, and has only won seven of those contests.
The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings between LA and Dallas. Furthermore, Clippers games have gone over the totals in four straight.
Prediction
Both clubs have been scoring at will lately, so take the over on what should be a barnburner.
