Dallas at L.A. Clippers

Time: 9:30 PM CT (NBA TV)

Spread: LAC -5

Total: 228

Odds c/o 5dimes

DAL TEAM NOTES:

The Dallas Mavericks have lost six of its last 10, and at 26-33, the team is scarcely a threat to make the postseason—but things have probably never been more promising for Mavericks supporters, at least in recent history. Not only has Luka Doncic shown all the signs of being a true superstar (a 19-year-old one at that), but the Mavs also recently acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Knicks. While Porzingis is unlikely to suit up this season, if he returns anywhere close to his full form, the Mavericks will possess one of the most unique and talented young duos in the league.

Doncic has been nothing short of incredible. He is averaging 20.7 points and 5.6 assists, playing a point-forward role as one of the most talented playmakers to come into the league in recent history. The Mavericks also parted ways with Harrison Barnes who never really fulfilled the expectations the Mavericks had for him. In his place the Mavericks now have Tim Hardaway Jr, who was acquired as part of the Porzingis trade. It cost the Mavericks the young and talented Dennis Smith, Jr, but he had grown increasingly disgruntled with his diminished role in Dallas’ offense. DeAndre Jordan also headed to New York, which left the Mavericks with something of a hole at the center position, but there are enough talented 4-men to fill the spot for the remainder of this season. While Dallas will not make the playoffs this year, it would be hard to count them out from doing so next season when Porzingis makes his return.

LAC

The L.A. Clippers are 33-28 but have lost five of its last 10 entering tonight’s matchup. The Clippers have a strange assortment of players that do not seem to really fit together, but there is no discounting the massive collection of talent on the team.

Montrezl Harrell has become a major contributor after coming out as a second-round pick of the Houston Rockets. Harrell has averaged 15.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in just 25.5 minutes a night. Thought originally to be undersized, he has made up with for it with his massive wingspan, athleticism, and with his energy.

Lou Williams is still a bucket-getter, and he is averaging 18.7 points per game.

But the Clippers leader has been Tobias Harris, who has basically stepped into the same role once occupied by superstar Blake Griffin. Harris is leading the team at 20 points per game while adding eight rebounds per game, and just over two assists. Danilo Galinari disappears at times, but when he is locked in he is one of the best shooting forwards in the league. Gallo is averaging 19.4 points while shooting 45 percent from the floor and an outstanding 45 percent on his 5.5 three-pointers per game.

The Clippers “only” attempt 24.7 threes per game, but it connects on 39 percent of those while shooting 47 percent from the floor overall. For such a seemingly strange collection of talent, the Clippers are in the playoff race early and should find its way into the postseason.

ATS TRENDS (C/o COVERS)