Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers: Injury Updates, Lineup and Match Prediction

The first post-season round 1 game between LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks seemed somehow incomplete. Mavs’ forward Kristaps Porzingis got ejected after a double technical foul in the third and crucial quarter. Post that, they lost the sync and gave away the game 110-118. 

Luka Doncic became the only 21-YO ever to post 42 points in the debut playoff game in the NBA. On the opposite end, the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George became a problem for the Mavs as they contributed 56 points together. Now, the second game is very important for Rick Carlisle’s side. 

Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers injury updates

As a matter of relief for the Clippers fans, the report card for the franchise is clean ahead of their second game. When the Orlando Bubble season restart began, they went through a fair share of troubles with missing key players like Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. But things are under complete control now.

Mavs have a concern here. Kristaps Porzingis’ status is questionable because of his sore heel. The head coach is positive that he will be playing, but we can say nothing for sure. Next, point guard Trey Burke is ‘probable’ in the next game because of a sprained left ankle. Lastly, Seth Curry can also miss out on this match as per reports. 

The match prediction: Who wins?

The Mavs’ starting five might have Luka Doncic (PG), Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG), Dorian Finney-Smith (SF), Maxi Kleber (PF), and Kristaps Porzingis (Center). The team will rely big on Luka Doncic. He has been setting records all the season. The only concern for him would be the ball security, as he had 11 turnovers in the last game. Also, they will need Kristaps if they have to win. We all saw how his absence affected the team.

The Clippers will probably have Patrick Beverley (PG), Paul George (SG), Kawhi Leonard (SF), Marcus Morris Sr. (PF), and Ivica Zubac (Center) as starting line-up. Apart from the star duo, Ivica Zubac is a weapon that gets them the third star. He posted a double-double in the last game. The Mavs are slightly inexperienced against the Clippers, and that showed in the fouls they made.

The defensive strength of the Clippers will try to keep Luka at bay. We still predict that if Porzingis is to play, Mavs will be angrier and hungrier to post a win and take away this second game with a thin margin. The match will be telecasted today (August 19th) at 9 PM ET, TNT.