The NBA is in thick soup as far as its viewership over the years is concerned. Recently, Kevin Durant took to Twitter to give his opinion on the cause of the dearth. But the Western Conference is not disappointing anyone, as the post-season has produced some eyeball grabbing rivalries. One such brewing enmity is between the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks, who are locked at 2-2. 

The Dallas Mavericks won their last outing against the Clippers in OT. The Mavs almost lost the match when Luka Doncic pulled a picture-perfect three-pointer and saved the game. Game 4 proved that we cannot take the underdogs lightly. 

LA Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks injury updates

For the Clippers, the health report is healthy. They have guard Patrick Beverley as ‘doubtful’ in Game 5 as the head coach Doc Rivers said clarified nothing about his playing status.

For the Mavericks, the situation is clumsy. Luka Doncic in his recent interview told that he came to know about Kristaps Porzingis’ unavailability in Game 4 only in the locker room. Kristaps had soreness in his right knee and had to miss Game 4. His availability is ‘uncertain’ and it depends on further examination of the injury.

Luka Doncic played Game 4 after spraining his left ankle in Game 3 and hence is also ‘probable’ to play Game 5. The Mavs have also kept their performing asset Trey Burke on the probable list.

The line-up game prediction: Who wins?

Clippers may have Landry Shamet, Paul George, Marcus Morris Sr., Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac as their starting five. They are facing enough trouble from a non-performing “Playoff P” in Paul George. He is averaging 15.3 points per game and is proving to be an over-priced deal already. His ball-handling is suffering, and he is disappointing the side in every other game.

Next up, Lou Williams got a 36-point Game 4, which is commendable, but his defense remains a weak point that the Mavs regularly target. Montrezl Harrell is another defensive woe. The Mavs seem to have decoded his pick-and-roll with Ivica Zubac already. Also, we all saw how the switching miserably failed when Reggie Jackson could not guard Luka Doncic.

Now, Kawhi Leonard will have to rise to the occasion and ensure the team gets back on track.

The Mavs may have Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Kristaps Porzingis as their starting five. Luka and Porzingis (if they both play) will be key, but it remains to be seen how many minutes are they going to clock in. Maxi Kleber has had a poor FG of 26.1% and is struggling there. The bench has so far worked well for the Mavs, but the latest odds still count them less.

However, we would say the Mavs can continue the winning run in NBA Playoffs 2020 and upset Clippers in Game 5 to make it 3-2. Even if the Mavs are to lose this series, they may push it to Game 7.