Dallas Mavericks v LA Clippers Betting Tips [30 August 2020]

The most interesting first-round series of the NBA playoffs could be over in Game 6 on Thursday, as the second-seeded Los Angeles Clippers need a win to go past the seventh-seeded Dallas Mavericks. A powerful 154-111 win in Game 5 for the title-contenders Clippers meant the momentum is firmly with the higher seeds.

The Clippers were first to move off the blocks in the series with a 118-110 win in the first game but were never allowed to go beyond a one-game lead. The Mavs levelled the series 1-1 and 2-2, with the overtime win in the fourth game being a stellar result. However, the Clippers have dominated the Mavs in the fifth game with ease, as Paul George led the show with 35 points in just 25 minutes. With a whopping 62.9% three-point shooting in that game, the Clippers have shown that they can take their game to next level when required. With George back to his best and dominant in defence as well, the Clippers look set to close out the series.

The Mavericks missed Kristaps Porzingis in Game 5 and lost the plot in the first quarter when they surrendered a 20-point lead. Luka Doncic struggled all night with his ankle injury after Marcus Morris stepped on his ankle in the third quarter. There are doubts on Doncic if he will be 100% for this game and that casts a huge shadow on their aspirations. The Mavericks need to show great mental strength in this game and more importantly, they need to check their technical fouls.

Dallas Mavericks face an uphill battle of staying alive in the series and take this to the seventh game. The Mavs need to battle not just the injuries but also history – as they have crashed out of the Western Conference first-round playoffs in five of their last six attempts. Although the Los Angeles Clippers have an even 4-4 record in their last eight attempts at passing the first round, they look well placed to win the series. We are backing the Clippers to win the match with at least a six-point margin.