The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on Friday, November 10, in a clash of Western Conference heavyweights.
It will be the first time the Clippers and Mavericks will cross paths for the 2023-24 season. The two teams are off to contrasting starts this season. Even with the James Harden trade settled, Clips' coach Tyronn Lue needs to find the right formula to maximize his star players.
Ironically, it will also be a face-off between Harden and Kyrie Irving. Both were teammates before they were traded away in separate deals. Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant (who was also traded to the Phoenix Suns) were the Big Three that the Nets had and broke up.
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Clippers vs. Mavericks Odds
Aside from being the hosts, the Mavericks hardly made roster changes that would tweak their starting lineup. Irving and Luka Doncic have the edge in terms of chemistry, although oddsmakers feel that the Mavs are just one-point favorites over the Clippers, per USA Today.
The Moneyline for this matchup is -115 for the Mavericks and -105 for the Clippers.
Clippers vs. Mavericks Preview
The Clippers are fresh from a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, 100-93, their third straight loss, ESPN reported. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard led the Nets loss with 24 and 17 points, respectively.
James Harden continues to find his way in the Clippers' system, managing only 12 markers. He debuted with 17 markers in the team's loss to the New York Knicks on Monday, November 6, 111-97.
Harden will be playing his third game with the Clippers, and it remains to be seen if his game will improve. One part of his game is his defense. The Clippers are playing good defense, rated sixth in the league at the moment. That will be tested against Irving, Doncic, and the rest of the Mavs.
Out for this game are Mason Plumlee and Brandon Boston Jr.
The Mavs may be doing better, but there is a sense of urgency on the defensive end. Head coach Jason Kidd criticized their soft defense following their loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, according to Irving via SI.com.
Facing a team with four legitimate All-Stars, the Mavericks need to do their share on defense and not solely on offense.
Max Kleber is listed as doubtful, while Dereck Lively II is questionable.
Clippers vs. Mavericks pick
If chemistry is a factor, the Mavericks should have the inside track to pick up win no. 7. However, they cannot afford to get complacent.
Harden could explode, same with George, Leonard, or Russell Westbrook. Getting these four players in tune will fall on the shoulders of Lue.
Aside from that, the Clippers need to prove why they are a good defensive team. Doncic and Irving can create on offense, and their supporting cast cannot be overlooked.
Unless one team has a bad game, the Clippers vs. Mavericks matchup is expected to be a humdinger. Los Angeles needs to play with a sense of urgency to avoid getting their fifth loss of the season.
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