Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Game 3 Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The series was drawn level after a convincing Game 2 victory by the Dallas Mavericks.
• Kawhi Leonard led all scorers in Game 2 with 35.
• Dallas was red-hot from the field, shooting 50% from the field and 44.8% from three!

Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Odds

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Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Predictions and Picks

The return of Kristaps Porzingis was welcome, but even more so was the Dallas Mavericks’ ball movement in Game 2. With a concentrated effort on finding good shots, the Mavericks offence is tough to deal with.

Picks:

Dallas Mavericks def. LA Clippers +175

Dallas +5 -109

Over 232.5 -109

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers

Head-to-Head: Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers

Dallas Must Maintain their Ball Movement

With Porzingis out for major parts of Game 1, the Dallas Mavericks struggled without a star option outside of Luka Doncic. With him back in the fold, the Dallas Mavericks looked unstoppable.

It wasn’t just Porzingis production that did the trick, but the attention he garners opens up opportunities for the Mavericks’ collection of capable shooters. Dallas shot an impressive 50% from the field and 44.8% from three, but that is overshadowed by their 25 assists on 44 field-goals.

Dallas has the capacity to overcome the Clippers’ capable individual defensive matchups. Not only are they prepared, but they are hungry to prove they do not fodder for the star-studded Clippers. Doncic continues to show off his all-around game and a positive night from his supporting cast would ensure their victory.

The Clippers Must Focus on Ball Security

While 15 turnovers aren’t that many in the grand scheme of an NBA game, every possession counts in a playoff game. The Clippers committed 15 turnovers to their opponents’ nine in Game 2.

Even worse for the Clippers was who was committing those turnovers. Key players Leonard, George, Jackson, and Williams, combined for 11 turnovers to just 12 assists – propped up by Lou Williams’ seven-to-one assists-to-turnover ratio.

Their shooting has been streaky as of late and the Clippers can’t afford to give up extra opportunities on top of that. If LA’s playmaking can match up with their intent, they are certain to regain the lead in this series.

Clippers Key Player: (G) Paul George

PAUL. GEORGE.@FoxSportsWest | @Yg_Trece pic.twitter.com/caP8Vo1MXi

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) August 18, 2020

Paul George is certainly a star in today’s NBA, but his inconsistent play is hampering the Clippers during crucial moments. While he has the ability to go off for 30-plus any night, he’s also shown the capacity to fade when it matters.

After a strong Game 1 showing, Paul George responded with a 14 points, 10 rebound game on 23.5% shooting from the field and 20% shooting from three on 10 three-point field-goal attempts.

Against a team as talented as the Mavericks, George can’t allow his leader Leonard to be the sole contributor on the court. George’s ability on both ends is the game-changer for the Clippers in Game 3 and in this series.

Mavericks Key Players: (G) Seth Curry, Trey Burke, Delon Wright

Seth Curry over Kawhi

You LOVE to see it pic.twitter.com/a5SVsciqdI

— Chris Montano (@gswchris) August 20, 2020

The Mavericks bench is loaded with three capable point guards with varying talents on the court. Curry is a sniper, much like his brother, Burke is a talented one-on-one scorer, and Wright is a swiss-army knife of skills on offence and defence.

The three combined for 34 points, eight assists, eight rebounds, and four steals in Game 2 against the LA Clippers. A net-positive +32 for the game, the Mavericks’ guard trio of the bench can help Rick Carlisle keep control of the game on both ends.

Giving Doncic a secondary playmaker is crucial for the Mavericks’ success. When they failed to relieve him in Game 1, Doncic committed 11 turnovers. Their offensive contributions are just the cherry on top.