Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Kawhi Leonard (left) dunks over Maxi Kleber (right)
NBA Odds: Mavericks vs. Clippers
| Mavericks Odds | +7 |
| Clippers Odds | -7 |
| Over/Under | 216 |
| Time | Channel | 10:30 p.m. ET | NBA TV |
The Dallas Mavericks shocked many when they collected a 1-0 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. Luka Doncic turned in a dominant, superstar effort, putting up 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Game 1 win.
What is so interesting for the rest of this series is that there doesn’t seem to be an easy solution to the Doncic issue for LA. Doncic absolutely torched the Clipprs’ pick-and-roll defense in Game 1, step-backing his way to a 5-for-11 night from the 3-point line.
The Clippers allowed Doncic to get off to a fast start, scoring 12 points in the opening frame. Letting the Mavericks get into an early offensive groove is a recipe for disaster.
Mavs when leading after the 1st quarter… 💰
27-0: Regular Season
1-0: Playoffs pic.twitter.com/GVw5rYAnuz— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) May 22, 2021
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue is a championship-winning coach, so you can expect him to install some subtle (and some not-so-subtle) changes on the way. Big man Ivica Zubac may be scratched from the rotation completely if his defense in space continues to haunt the Clippers. Look for Lue to possibly get more playing time out of veteran Serge Ibaka, who was +11 in 13 minutes in Game 1.
Rick Carlisle and the Mavericks will continue their two-pronged strategy of: (1) Endless Doncic isolations and pick-and-rolls on offense; and (2) Attention to detail when guarding George and Leonard on defense.
With Game 1 still fresh in their minds, sharp bettors are backing the Clippers, as “attention to detail” can only take you so far when contending against two of the best shot-makers in the league in Leonard and Goerge.
Let’s take a look at our latest PRO Report.
NBA Picks: Mavericks vs. Clippers
Sharp Action
The line for Mavericks vs. Clippers opened up at Clippers -6.5 before it was pushed up to -9.5 ahead of Tuesday night’s game.
Since Monday morning, there have been six Action Labs Bet Signals triggered on the Clippers. This is a sign of the sharp action driving up Tuesday’s spread.
Big Money
At the time of this writing, the 48% of bettors supporting the Clippers have generated a whopping 80% of the money wagered on Tuesday’s game.
PRO Systems
Tuesday’s Game 2 between the Mavericks and Clippers fits neatly into our “NBA Playoffs: More Money on Favorites PRO System,” which has a 60% win rate and a 17% Return On Investment (ROI) since 2015.
PRO Report Pick: Clippers -7 (+100 at PointsBet)