Los Angeles Clippers are all set to head to Dallas to take on the Mavs after dominating the Pacers on Monday. This is going to be their first game, back-to-back, all set for the Clippers who are taking in all the wins coming their way. Mavericks, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after getting defeated by the defending champions, Denver Nuggets.
With the ‘Lone Star State’ holding the fifth position in the Western Conference, LA, who is just below them, will look to take that place. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the injuries, lineups, predictions, and more!
The Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks injuries and lineups
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As of now, both teams have a balanced injury report. While the Mavericks’ injury report holds more weight in that all four players are listed as out, the Clippers might see one of their key players not suit up. Dallas’ injury list has Maxi Kleber, Josh Green, Dereck Lively II, and Kyrie Irving sidelined due to injuries.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report vs. Los Angeles Clippers:
Kyrie Irving – out (right heel contusion)
Josh Green – out (right elbow sprain)
Dereck Lively II – out (left ankle sprain)
Maxi Kleber – out (right small toe dislocation)— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 19, 2023
Meanwhile, the Clippers have Moussa Diabete and Mason Plumlee confirmed as ‘Out’. Bones Hyland and Paul George are listed as questionable for the Mavericks game. Hyland has been dealing with right knee soreness, which has been diagnosed as chondromalacia (damage to the cartilage under the kneecap).
The reason for George’s absence has been given as illness. The details of the same are yet to be revealed. With PG13 potentially unavailable, Normal Powell is most likely to take his place in the starting five. The expected lineup for the ‘Golden State’ will also feature James Harden, Terence Mann, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac.
The Dallas Mavericks’ expected lineup might look something like this: Luka Doncic, Dante Exum, Derrick Jones Jr., Grant Williams, and Dwight Powell.
Predictions for the Mavs-Clippers matchup
It’s a no-brainer that the Los Angeles Clippers are coming into the game as favorites to win. With the recent success that the team has had and the generous pool of talent they bring to the court, LA has been locked in. The “Big D” is not far behind. With Doncic‘s otherworldly skills when he takes the floor, the Luka “magic” cannot be shrugged off.
Read More: Luka Doncic Topples Mentor Dirk Nowitzki With Monster Game in Just 20 Minutes
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The glaring void is, of course, Kyrie Irving‘s absence. It means that Doncic has to put in double the work. After their win against the Blazers on Saturday, Jason Kidd elaborated on the Slovenian superstar’s responsibility. “Luka has to lead the league in double-teams. He’s being doubled for the majority of games,” Kidd admitted.
But going against the Clippers, they are also without center, Lively. That is a lot of load on “The Don’s” shoulder. Then again, we are talking about a seven-year-old kid who polished his skills against a bunch of 10-year-olds. When you have opponents that are bigger, faster, and more experienced than yourself, it’s brains against brawn. And in Doncic’s case, it was always brains that won.
Hopefully, the 4x All-Star can rely on his brain to get his team through the formidable Clippers. Who do you have your bets on? Let us know your favorite to win in the comments below!
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