Clippers vs. Mavericks: NBA Betting Odds and Predictions

Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks
Monday, 4/2/12, 8:30 PM EST, TV: FSSW
Opening Point Spread: Dallas -4.5
Current Betting Line: Dallas -4.5
Opening Total: 189.5
Current Total: 189.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 19.5 points per game against the Los Angeles Clippers this year

Los Angeles captured all five games of its recent five-game homestand, as it heads out on the road for just one game before returning to host the Los Angeles Lakers inside the Staples Center on Wednesday night. “It ain’t a huge milestone,” commented Clippers point guard Chris Paul about the winning streak. “You’ve got to strive for more than that.” He finished with a game-high 26 points in the team’s 105-96 win over the Utah Jazz as 5.5-point favorites last time out. Los Angeles is 8-8 ATS as an underdog and the “over” is 10-7 in that situation.

The Clippers have a losing 11-13 record on the road this season, including a 7-10 mark versus Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles has split the first two meetings of the year with Dallas, including a 96-92 defeat as 3.5-point road underdogs on Feb. 13. It’s important to note that the first two games went “under” the posted total. All-Star power forward Blake Griffin is a player to watch on the offensive end, averaging a team-high 21.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

Dallas has won three of its last four games and will begin a three-game homestand on Monday night, as it comes off a 100-98 win over the Orlando Magic as five-point road underdogs on Friday night. The Mavericks were led by the play of star forward Dirk Nowitzki, who finished with 28 points on 9-of-18 shooting, while Shawn Marion also contributed 15 points. “We showed a lot of fortitude, a lot of grit and a lot of togetherness,” commented Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle about the win. Dallas is 2-7 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points this year.

The Mavericks have won 28 of the last 33 matchups against the Clippers when playing at home, including the last 10. Carlisle has led the franchise to an 18-7 overall mark during his time on the sidelines in regular-season meetings. Nowitzki leads the team in averaging 19.5 points per game in the two games played in the series during the 2011-12 campaign. Dallas comes in with a 19-8 home record, including a 13-5 mark versus Western Conference foes.