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The Los Angeles Clippers meet the Dallas Mavericks for Game 3 in what is essentially a must-win contest for the Clippers to stay alive in the postseason. Few teams have come back from a 2-0 deficit, but no team has ever come back down 3-0. The Mavericks will look to tighten their grasp on this series at home.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Friday night’s game for the Free $5k DraftKings Pools - Playoff Edition (LAC-DAL).
Clippers vs. Mavericks Game 3 Pool Picks
Which team will cover the spread? Clippers -2.5 or Mavericks +2.5
The Clippers are, somehow, favored in this matchup slightly despite dropping two games at home and looking particularly bad doing it. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George know this is a must-win game, but Los Angeles has not found an answer for Luka Doncic. The Mavericks should keep the this game tight, but there’s a good chance their perimeter shooting regresses to regular-season levels. If the Clippers don’t get up for this game, they’re headed for a rough offseason.
Total Points Scored? O/U 219.5
The teams combined for 216 points in Game 1 before exploding with 248 points in Game 2. Expect better defense in Game 3, especially from the Clippers. The under appears to be the safer play, but no number is safe if Doncic stays hot.
Which team will reach 30 points first? Clippers or Mavericks
The Mavericks have dominated both games so far from the opening tip and there may be some carryover from that in Game 3, especially with the home crowd. I expect Dallas to get to 30 points first in this matchup.
Which team will have more 3-pointers made? Clippers or Mavericks
The Mavericks are lighting it up from deep, hitting 17 triples in Game 1 and 18 in Game 2. The Clippers have not been as great, sinking only 11 shots in Game 1 and 13 in Game 2. I expect Los Angeles’ defense to be more assertive in this game and limit perimeter shots, but the Clippers haven’t converted their attempts at a rate high enough to justify taking them in this prop. Dallas is the play here.
Which player will have more points and assists? Kawhi Leonard or Paul George
Leonard is the driving force for the Clippers. As much as this game is about staying alive, there’s an element of Leonard’s personal legacy on the line. He chose the Clippers and he chose George to try to win a title. A second consecutive early postseason exit would damage his reputation as a superstar. He’ll look to have a big game tonight.
Kawhi Leonard points? O/U 30.5
Leonard had 26 points in Game 1 and 41 in Game 2. I expect him to get in the upper 20s regularly due to Los Angeles’ lack of superior offensive options, but this is a tough number. The over is more likely in Game 3 given what’s at stake for Leonard and the franchise.
Luka Doncic points, assists and rebounds? O/U 47.5
As much as the Mavs have struggled to contain Leonard, the Clippers are having no luck with Doncic. He’s averaging 35.0 points, 9.0 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game in the series and has shown no indication of letting up. Doncic knows he’s going to have to perform for the Mavericks to keep winning. The over is a strong play here.
Which team will win the 4th quarter? Clippers or Mavericks
The Mavericks won the final quarter in Game 1 and the Clippers took the final quarter in Game 2. There’s a chance Los Angeles pulls away late in an otherwise close contest, so take the Clippers to win the 4th quarter in Game 3.
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