Clippers vs. Mavs Game 6 betting odds, preview, and pick

All eyes will be on the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Their first-round series was tied at two wins apiece prior to Wednesday’s pivotal Game 5, but now the Mavs have a chance to close out the Clippers and advance to the next round.

Doncic Muscles Mavs to Victory

For the fifth time in as many games this series, the road team emerged victorious Wednesday night. The biggest reason why was Luka Doncic, who scored 42 points and tallied 14 assists in Dallas’s 105-100 win. He’s scored 31 or more points in all but one game so far this series, and if the Clippers are to stave off elimination, they must find a way to stop Dallas’ top star.

Tim Hardaway, Jr. added 20 points in the win, including two key free throws in the game’s final seconds. Meanwhile, Paul George led the Clippers in most offensive categories, posting 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks in the losing effort. Kawhi Leonard and Reggie Jackson added 20 points apiece.

What to Expect in Game 6

Ahead of Friday’s contest, the Clippers are favored by 2.5 points and are -136 on the money line, while the Mavericks are +114. The point total for the game, meanwhile, is 216.5.

I have to say, I’m surprised at the spread here. The money is banking on the road team topping the home team for the sixth consecutive game in this series, and furthermore, that road team is down 3-2 in the series while the home team’s best player is playing some of the best basketball of his career.

Consider this: Doncic has played in 11 playoff games. He’s eclipsed 40 points in four of them, and two of them have come during this series. In a fifth (Game 2 of this series), he scored 39 while adding seven rebounds and seven assists.

That’s the other thing about Doncic: He’s not just a scorer. This series, he’s average 9.4 assists and eight rebounds per game. He’s taken over games, but he’s also elevated the rest of the team, which has a chance to close out the series on its home floor.

Simply put, considering the Mavericks underdogs is dangerous. I’ll happily take Dallas getting 2.5 points here, and I also advise a small moneyline shot as well.

NBA Picks: Mavericks +2.5, and Mavericks ML (+114)