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Sunday's series opening between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks takes place at Crypto.com Arena. In what should be one of the league's most challenging series, the Clippers start as the four-seed and the Mavericks as the five-seed. The Clippers had a 2-1 series lead after three regular-season encounters, with one victory at home and one away. Winning the first game of the series would be huge since both clubs are riding losing streaks into the postseason. Fans should watch this series even though it has a full slate.
The upcoming match for Dallas is clouded with uncertainties due to a slew of injuries plaguing several key players. Despite the apprehensions, most are anticipated to take to the court. Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Derrick Jones Jr., PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford all hover under the questionable status, though prospects look promising for their participation as they near the season's finale. However, the absence of Dereck Lively remains a notable setback, particularly impacting the team's frontcourt dynamics.
Dallas heavily relies on their proficiency in the three-point shooting domain, boasting the second-highest number of attempts and third-highest success rate in the league. This sharpshooting prowess has been instrumental in bolstering their performance over the past month. Considering Los Angeles' vulnerabilities in perimeter defense, Dallas could potentially leverage this facet to gain a decisive edge.
However, concerns loom over their ability to secure rebounds and fortify their defensive stance. Should they falter in these departments, their offensive output might prove insufficient to clinch victory. Notably, Luka Doncic, with stellar averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, has once again showcased MVP-caliber form throughout the season. Moreover, the resurgence of Kyrie Irving, averaging 25.6 points per game, furnishes Dallas with a formidable duo capable of spearheading their charge. Should these two luminaries find their rhythm, Dallas stands poised to emerge triumphant even in the adversarial environment of an away game.
The Clippers have been relatively quiet in discussions about the Western Conference race, yet perched in fourth place, their chances of success are as promising as any other contender. With a 25-16 record at home this season, they boast a commendable mark, albeit not extraordinary, especially when compared to teams with top-notch home records across the league. Nonetheless, their recent stumble, losing three consecutive games at home to conclude the season, may cast a shadow on their momentum and confidence heading into the upcoming matches. Fans are hopeful that instead of dwelling on these setbacks, the Clippers will draw upon their previous victories against Dallas this season as they strive for success in the opening game.
However, Los Angeles is grappling with a couple of injuries that could significantly influence the series outcome. While James Harden is likely to be in action, the indefinite absence of Kawhi Leonard poses a considerable challenge. The absence of Leonard is undeniably a blow, potentially necessitating Harden to assume a greater scoring responsibility, especially if he can bring his full capabilities to the court.
Despite their historical emphasis on defense in recent years, it's the offense that has been the driving force for the Clippers this season. They currently rank sixth in the league in both field-goal percentage and three-point percentage. Going up against a Dallas defense that lingers in the lower echelons of most defensive metrics should instill ample confidence in the Clippers, even in Leonard's absence.
While Paul George leads the charge with 22.6 points per game, it could be Russell Westbrook, averaging 11.1 points per game, who emerges as the pivotal factor. The Clippers may hold the advantage in terms of experience, but the specter of injuries looms large and could potentially undermine their aspirations in this series.
In the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs, we witness a clash of titans as the fourth-seeded LA Clippers square off against the fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks, renewing their playoff rivalry. Concluding the regular season, the Clippers notched a commendable 51-31 record, trailing the leading OKC by a margin of six games. Conversely, the Mavericks wrapped up their season hot on the heels of their adversaries, boasting a 50-32 record. This playoff confrontation marks the third encounter between these teams within the last five years, with the Clippers emerging victorious in the preceding two matchups, both transpiring in the initial playoff round.
Initially, the Clippers appeared poised to dominate the Western Conference, embarking on a remarkable streak of 23 victories out of 28 games from December 2023 to February 2024. However, their momentum waned in the latter part of the season, culminating in six victories out of their final ten games.
Despite entering the playoffs on a three-game losing skid, it's noteworthy that they strategically rested their key players for the majority of those matchups. The looming uncertainty surrounding the Clippers revolves around the health status of their marquee player, Kawhi Leonard. The 32-year-old luminary has been sidelined for the team's last eight games due to a knee injury, casting doubt on his availability for the series opener.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks celebrate a commendable season resurgence, returning to the playoffs following their 11th-place finish last year. Although they enter the postseason on a modest two-game losing streak, it's imperative to acknowledge that they opted to rest their dynamic backcourt duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic in both encounters. Preceding this brief slump, the Mavericks boasted a five-game winning streak, showcasing a formidable defensive prowess by limiting opponents to an average of 106.1 points per game during that stretch.
As the Clippers strategize for this showdown, their primary challenge lies in containing the formidable Luka Doncic, who has delivered another sensational season statistically. The 25-year-old sensation stands as a frontrunner for the MVP title, boasting staggering averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, accompanied by a career-best 38.2% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
