The Dallas Mavericks face the Los Angeles Clippers tonight in a critical Western Conference matchup as both teams battle for playoff positioning. Dallas sits at 5-15 with a 3-game losing streak, while the Clippers enter at 5-14 as -7 favorites in what promises to be a shootout at Intuit Dome.
🔥 Quick Facts
Mavericks record: 5-15, holding 2-8 record in last 10 games with recent loss to Lakers
Clippers favored by 7 points above Dallas with tipoff at 10:00 PM ET on KFAA/KTLA
Kawhi Leonard returning for Clippers after missing 10 straight games with ankle sprain
James Harden leading LAC offense averaging 27.6 PPG with 44.4% shooting
Mavericks Desperate to Snap Three-Game Skid
The Dallas Mavericks head to Los Angeles in crisis mode, sitting in 14th place in the Western Conference at 5-15. They’ve lost three straight and are 2-8 over their last 10 games, averaging just 110.0 points per contest defensively despite holding opponents to 116.2 per night.
The Mavericks’ offensive struggles have been glaring, ranking dead last in offensive efficiency throughout the season. Guard D’Angelo Russell remains the primary scoring threat after his 28-point performance in their fight against the Clippers earlier in November. Without consistent three-point support and facing defensive challenges, Dallas enters tonight’s matchup desperately needing a road victory.
Clippers Look to Capitalize on Home Court
The Los Angeles Clippers are slight -7 favorites despite matching Dallas’s struggles at 5-14. However, they return to their fortress at Intuit Dome where they’ve been more competitive. James Harden has emerged as the primary scoring catalyst, putting up 27.6 points per game with impressive 44.4% field goal accuracy.
The biggest storyline for LAC involves Kawhi Leonard’s return after a 10-game absence due to a right ankle sprain. Leonard averaged 24.5 points across 2 games against Dallas earlier this season, including a 29-point showing in their April matchup. His return could provide the defensive intensity and scoring punch the Clippers desperately need.
Head-to-Head Matchup Overview
Category
Mavericks
Clippers
Record
5-15 (14th West)
5-14 (12th West)
Last 10 Games
2-8
2-8
Points Per Game
110.0
111.9
Key Scorer
D’Angelo Russell (28 pts)
James Harden (27.6 PPG)
Injury Reports and Roster Adjustments
The Mavericks enter with Anthony Davis expected to return from a 14-game injury absence, though his availability remains TBA. Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II are both sidelined with estimated return dates not yet confirmed. This depth issue on the frontcourt worries Dallas heading into their matchup.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard’s return from his sprained ankle provides much-needed reinforcement. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Jordan Miller remain unavailable for Los Angeles, but Leonard’s presence should immediately upgrade their defensive schemes and late-game execution.
Will Dallas Find Answers Before Playoff Pressure Intensifies?
The Mavericks vs Clippers matchup tonight represents a critical moment for Dallas’s season. At 5-15, they’re running out of time to right their ship, and every road loss makes the playoff path exponentially harder. The Clippers, despite their own struggles, bring superior roster depth and the home-court advantage oddsmakers trust at -7.
Can Dallas find offensive efficiency and defensive stops to exploit Los Angeles’s inconsistency? Or will the Clippers’ star power and Harden’s scoring punch prove too much for a struggling Mavericks squad? Tipoff is at 10:00 PM ET from Intuit Dome.
Watch: Clippers vs Mavericks Preview Highlights
Sources
ESPN – Game odds, predictions, and team statistics
NBA.com – Official league standings and player performance data
Covers – Expert picks and betting analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.