The Los Angeles Clippers (27-29) visit American Airlines Center Thursday to take on the Dallas Mavericks (32-23). Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Clippers vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
After covering four straight games between Jan. 25-30, the Clippers have now failed to cover 4 straight. They’re 5-5 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10.
The Clippers, who have been without their two stars (SG Paul George and SF Kawhi Leonard) for most of the season, are just 26-30 ATS. The Clippers are 10-8 ATS as road underdogs.
As for the Mavs, they’re 29-26 ATS this season, including 6-4 ATS in their last 10. Dallas has thrived this season behind a strong defense, one that ranks third in defensive rating over its past 15 games.
MVP candidate PG Luka Doncic, who averages 26.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game, has leads Dallas in all three categories.
Clippers at Mavericks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:29 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Clippers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Mavericks -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Clippers +6.5 (-112) | Mavericks -6.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Clippers at Mavericks key injuries
Clippers
- SG Paul George (elbow) out
Mavericks
- PG Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) out
- SF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out
Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!
Clippers at Mavericks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Mavericks 107, Clippers 104
Money line
PASS.
At +220, the Clippers are playable, but considering they’ve lost 3 of their last 4, look to the spread for the better odds. Laying -280 on the Mavs down two key scorers isn’t smart.
Against the spread
LEAN to the CLIPPERS +6.5 (-112).
The Clippers are looking to contend, having traded for SF Norman Powell and PF Robert Covington from Portland. Powell scored 44 points in 47 minutes in his first two Clippers games and should see an uptick in minutes as he settles in with his new team.
The Clippers haven’t covered 4 straight but their last two games were against top teams in the Bucks and Grizzlies. The Mavericks should be an easier matchup. Dallas beat the Pistons by 30 in their last game. They are just 13-17-1 ATS after a win this season.
Also, while the Mavs rank 3rd in opponents’ points per game, they rank 14th in opponents’ field-goal rate. It’s their pace that’s helped bolster their defensive numbers.
Lastly, the Clippers are 14-12 ATS as underdogs. The Clippers’ spread here feels like the better option.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 214.5 (-107).
Both the Mavericks and Clippers have made their living this season on the defensive end.
The Mavericks’ opponents score the 3rd-fewest points per game. Their Under has hit in 3 straight as they’ve held their opponent to under 100 in each game. Also, the Mavs are 4-14-1 O/U as home favorites.
The Clippers are 27-28-1 O/U this season. As underdogs, they’re 12-13-1. Having added Covington, who may spend time guarding Doncic, the Clippers may be able to slow down the superstar guard as well.
Combine it all, and the Under seems like the best play in this Western Conference battle.
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]