A slow start in Game 4 was just too much to overcome for the Mavericks down the stretch as they let home court advantage slip away ahead of Game 5. Tonight’s game is a pivotal one, whoever wins will have a chance to advance in the next one. It’s all about the status of Luka Doncic for the Mavericks here, his knee is causing him massive problems, especially on the defensive end where opposing players are blowing right by him. It goes without saying that Dallas is cooked if their superstar is playing on one leg, no matter who the opponent is. The good news is the Mavs still have Kyrie Irving to pick up the slack offensively, he finished with a team high 40 points on Sunday, including 6 threes made. Mavs are just 4-8 ATS in the last 12 meetings vs the Clippers.
LA also has it’s fair share of injuries right now. The biggest one is obviously Kawhi Leonard who has been ruled out once again with his knee inflammation not getting any better. James Harden did exactly what he was supposed to in Game 4, putting in a vintage performance with 33 points and 7 assists. Paul George equaled the tally and mesmerized everyone with 7 threes made on just 10 attempts. Those two will likely have to repeat that performance if the Clippers want to go back in front, I’m willing to bet Harden has a better chance of doing so since his primary defender is a hobbled Luka Doncic. LA also has the x-factor on the inside and that is Ivica Zubac who is proving to be too big and too agile for the Mavs interior defense.
