What to expect from LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks Game 1
By Dalton Sell
The LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks will square off in the first round of the NBA’s Western Conference playoffs, a series with no shortage of headlines.
The final game of ESPN’s quadruple-header of NBA playoff action, the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers will face off Monday night in a star-studded matchup. LA is rightfully favored to win, with ESPN’s BPI giving the 2-seeded Clippers a 65 percent chance to advance on against the 7-seeded Mavericks in the series.
This will be the postseason debut for Mavericks’ star duo Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, which could serve as a disadvantage. The Clippers undoubtedly the more experienced team with 2-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard at the helm, and second fiddle Paul George not too far behind. LA is unquestionably looking ahead as they have their eyes set on claiming their first title in NBA history, but they will have to get through Dallas first.
The Mavericks have been turning heads all season and could make some noise once the postseason kicks off with their historically great offense. Doncic and Porzingis are arguably two of the hottest players in the league since the restart, lighting up their opponents game after game.
While their chances against the title-contending Clippers might appear limited to some, this series is shaping up to be must-see-television with all of the star-power involved. Before Game 1 kicks off Monday night, here are three things to expect in the fourth matchup of the season between the 2-seeded LA Clippers and the 7-seeded Dallas Mavericks.