Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers Pick & Prediction APRIL 5th 2025

Stadium: American Airlines Arena Miami
Logo Dallas Mavericks
VS
Logo Los Angeles Clippers
224
OPENER
-7.5
220.5o -110
CURRENT
-9.5 -105
+310
MONEYLINE
-380
104
SCORE
135

Preview and Prediction

The LA Clippers will continue their pursuit of a top-six position in the Western Conference as they take on the Dallas Mavericks for the second consecutive night on Saturday at Inglewood, California.

The Clippers (45-32) secured an impressive 114-91 win over the Mavericks on Friday, marking their 13th victory in their last 16 games. A second consecutive win over Dallas (38-40) could prove to be a challenge if LA decides to rest Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard, who made his season debut on January 4th after recovering from knee discomfort, has yet to play in back-to-back games. The Clippers will make a decision on his availability early on Saturday.

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In Friday's game, Leonard scored 20 points in just 24 minutes, while Ivica Zubac recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds for his 20th double-double in the last 21 games. Leonard has now scored at least 20 points in 11 consecutive games.

Six players for the Clippers scored at least 12 points, showcasing their offensive balance. However, it is their strong defense that has made them a formidable playoff team. The Clippers currently rank fourth in the NBA, allowing an average of just 108 points per game.

Coach Tyronn Lue praised his team's communication and accountability on defense, stating, "They've been doing a good job with that of late, just talking through (broken) coverages."

The Clippers have been dominant at home, winning 27 out of their last 34 games at their new arena. After a slow start, they have won 10 of their last 11 games on their home court.

The Mavericks' loss on Friday was due to injuries and illness, with Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II sitting out and Klay Thompson leaving the game early. Naji Marshall led the team with 22 points, followed by Spencer Dinwiddie with 18 points. Jaden Hardy and P.J. Washington also contributed with 16 points and 10 rebounds, respectively.

However, Hardy's availability for Saturday's game is uncertain after he injured his right ankle. Kai Jones, who was waived by the Clippers in March and signed with the Mavericks, scored nine points against his former team in 22 minutes.

The Mavericks have four games left to secure a spot in the play-in tournament, with tough matchups against the Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies. They currently hold the ninth spot in the Western Conference, but are only half a game ahead of the Sacramento Kings.

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Mavs coach Jason Kidd stated, "Right now, we're not worried about the play-in (tournament). We're worried about the Clippers."

There is a possibility that Anthony Davis will play on Saturday, according to Kidd.

PREDICTION
Dallas Mavericks
105
116
Los Angeles Clippers

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers Recap APR 5TH 2025

James Harden and Kawhi Leonard each scored 29 points as the Los Angeles Clippers finished off a convincing 135-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday at Inglewood, Calif.

Ivica Zubac added 25 points with 10 rebounds for the Clippers (46-32), who improved to 11-2 since March 12, while winning 11 of their last 12 home games. The Clippers had a pair of injury scares in the first half, but Norman Powell (thigh) and Derrick Jones Jr. (ankle) remained in the game.

Harden added 14 assists as the Clippers won both games of a back-to-back against the Mavericks. Los Angeles pulled even with both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies while sitting a half game behind the fifth-place Golden State Warriors.

Leonard did not play his first game of the season until early January because of knee discomfort but has shown his productivity of late with an average of 26.2 points over his last 12 contests.

Anthony Davis scored 27 points with nine rebounds in just his seventh game with Dallas after a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers in February. Davis did not play Friday against the Clippers because of injury maintenance on a nagging abdominal injury.

Kai Jones scored 18 points for the Mavericks (38-41) against his former team, while Klay Thompson scored 14 points after he departed Friday's game with an illness. Dereck Lively II played after he sat out Friday's game with an ankle injury but scored just two points in 15 minutes.

The Clippers ran away with the game by outscoring the Mavericks 44-30 in the third quarter when Zubac scored 13 points and Harden had 10, while Los Angeles shot 69.2 percent.

The Clippers scored 74 points in the second half to 52 for the Mavericks, who have lost two of their past three games. Dallas is ninth in the West and just percentage points ahead of the 10th-place Sacramento Kings, who hold the final play-in spot in the conference.

The Clippers were in control throughout, leading 33-21 after the opening period. Los Angeles had a 61-52 lead at halftime behind 19 points from Harden.