In an incredible twist to the NBA playoff plot, a pivotal Game 6 between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers isn’t the biggest talking point heading into Thursday’s action. Following all three playoff games on Wednesday being postponed, a decision which began with the Milwaukee Bucks choosing to boycott their game against the Orlando Magic, it’s now unknown what Thursday even holds.
It appears there’s a real chance that the Mavericks vs. Clippers game, along with the other playoff action in the NBA bubble, could be postponed. But if it’s not, the Mavs and red-hot rising star Luka Doncic have a tall task ahead of them to even the series with Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, especially following a brutal 154-111 loss in Game 5.
The Mavs and Clippers have rotated wins and losses throughout this series, but there are a number of looming questions for Dallas, specifically on the injury front with Kristaps Porzingis. After nearly stealing Game 1 but then picking up victories in Games 2 and 4, the Mavericks need to muster up another bounce-back performance to keep their title push alive.
Betting Line & Injury News
Betting line: Los Angeles Clippers (-10.5 at -110) vs. Dallas Mavericks
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
The good news for Mavericks fans is that Porzingis wasn’t immediately ruled out for the game. The bad news is that he’s questionable, and as USA Today’s Mark Medina reported, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle is “not optimistic” even though Porzingis is “working around the clock” with the medical staff.
Regardless of Porzingis’ status, the double-digit point spread in favor of the Clippers shows just how dominant and impressive they looked during the Game 5 victory. One big reason for this love from the oddsmakers is likely due to Paul George breaking out of his slump in a big way last game.
George had struggled to get his shot to drop through the start of the postseason but poured in 35 points on 12-18 shooting, knocking down 4-8 from beyond the arc.
Prediction & Pick
As much as I love watching the Luka Doncic show, it’s tough to envision the Mavericks being able to dig themselves out of this hole, especially with Porzingis banged up. While I’m confident that Doncic can play at a level to pull off a victory like the one in overtime back in Game 4, it will be difficult if George’s shot is dropping for the Clippers.
Between George’s confidence appearing to return and the stellar play of Kawhi Leonard during this series, the Mavericks will have their hands full. With all of that being said, there’s little chance that we see Dallas bow out without putting up a major fight and keeping this game close throughout.
The Clippers will pull away late, but it won’t be enough to cover the double-digit spread, so we’ll stick with the Mavericks to cover, but not pick up the victory.
Pick: Dallas Mavericks +10.5
