Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Pick & Preview – 4/21/2024
Updated October 29, 2026
Updated October 29, 2026
The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers meet in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 21, 2024. It's the third postseason meeting between these teams in five years, with the Clippers winning their previous two series.
Dallas enters the playoffs with one of the NBA's most dangerous backcourts in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks finished the regular season strongly and will look to carry that momentum into Los Angeles.
The Clippers have home-court advantage and plenty of postseason experience, but Kawhi Leonard's knee injury is a major concern. His availability could significantly influence the opening game.
With Dallas favored by 3.5 points in one widely published pregame market, the central question is whether the Mavericks can capitalize on Leonard's absence or if the Clippers have enough depth to defend their home court.
Game details | Information |
|---|---|
Matchup | Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers |
Date | Sunday, April 21, 2024 |
Competition | Western Conference First Round, Game 1 |
Venue | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles |
Tipoff | 3:30 p.m. ET |
TV | ABC |
Dallas regular-season record | 50-32 |
Clippers regular-season record | 51-31 |
Playoff seeds | Dallas No. 5, Clippers No. 4 |
Only one game separated these teams in the Western Conference standings.
The Clippers earned home-court advantage by finishing fourth, while Dallas secured the fifth seed after a strong finish to the regular season.
The matchup brings together two teams with different offensive strengths. Dallas relies heavily on its elite backcourt, while Los Angeles has several established scoring options and a more experienced veteran core.
The following odds were published ahead of the April 21, 2024 matchup.
Betting market | Dallas Mavericks | Los Angeles Clippers |
|---|---|---|
Moneyline | -167 | +140 |
Point spread | -3.5 (-110) | +3.5 (-110) |
Over/Under | Over 221.5 (-110) | Under 221.5 (-110) |
These are historical pregame odds. Prices varied between sportsbooks and changed as injury information became available.
Dallas was favored despite playing on the road, reflecting its strong recent form and concerns about Leonard's availability.
The 221.5-point total suggested a relatively high-scoring matchup between two teams featuring several accomplished offensive players.
At -167, the Mavericks carried an implied win probability of approximately 62.5% before removing the sportsbook's margin.
The Clippers' +140 moneyline represented an implied probability of approximately 41.7%.
Those figures indicate that Dallas was considered the more likely winner, although Los Angeles still had a meaningful chance of securing the opening game.
The point spread also suggested a competitive contest.
Dallas needed to win by at least four points to cover -3.5, while the Clippers could cover +3.5 by winning outright or losing by no more than three points.
For more information about betting markets and operators, visit our sportsbook reviews.
The opening game features two teams with legitimate postseason ambitions.
Dallas enters with a strong offensive foundation built around Dončić and Irving, supported by improved interior defense following its midseason roster changes.
Los Angeles counters with James Harden, Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Ivica Zubac, alongside Leonard if healthy.
The Clippers' experience is an advantage, particularly in a playoff setting where half-court execution becomes increasingly important.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Leonard changes the matchup.
Without him, Los Angeles needs more scoring and playmaking from Harden and George while maintaining enough defensive discipline to limit Dallas' backcourt.
Dallas enters the playoffs after winning 50 regular-season games.
Luka Dončić has been outstanding throughout the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game.
He led the NBA in scoring and remains the focal point of the Mavericks' offense.
His combination of shooting, passing and pick-and-roll execution creates difficult decisions for opposing defenses.
If the Clippers commit additional defenders to Dončić, Dallas can generate open looks for teammates.
Kyrie Irving provides another major scoring threat.
Irving averaged 25.6 points per game during the regular season and gives Dallas a second player capable of creating offense without assistance.
That combination makes the Mavericks difficult to defend over a full game.
However, the playoffs introduce a different challenge.
Los Angeles has experienced perimeter defenders and can vary its defensive approach to disrupt Dallas' offensive rhythm.
The Mavericks will need effective contributions from their supporting players to prevent the Clippers from concentrating entirely on Dončić and Irving.
Dallas strengthened its frontcourt during the season by adding Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington.
Both players helped improve the team's defensive balance and physicality.
Gafford provides rim protection and an effective finishing option around the basket.
Washington adds defensive versatility and the ability to stretch the floor.
Rookie Dereck Lively II also gives Dallas another athletic interior option.
These additions are particularly important against a Clippers team featuring Ivica Zubac.
Dallas needs to compete on the glass and prevent Los Angeles from generating easy opportunities near the basket.
The Mavericks' ability to control the paint could determine how effectively their perimeter stars influence the game.
The Clippers finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, securing fourth place in the Western Conference.
Their roster features several established stars, including Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden.
However, Leonard's right knee inflammation is the biggest concern entering Game 1.
He missed the final eight games of the regular season, leaving Los Angeles uncertain about his availability for the playoff opener.
Leonard averaged 23.7 points per game during the regular season and remains one of the team's most important two-way players.
His absence would remove a reliable scorer and a defender capable of handling difficult perimeter assignments.
That would place additional responsibility on George and Harden.
Harden joined the Clippers during the 2023-24 season and became a central part of their offense.
His ability to create shots through the pick-and-roll is particularly valuable against Dallas.
Harden can generate opportunities for himself, but his passing is equally important.
His partnership with Zubac gives Los Angeles a way to attack the basket and create efficient scoring chances.
If Leonard is unavailable, Harden may need to increase both his scoring volume and playmaking responsibilities.
George averaged 22.6 points per game during the regular season.
He offers Los Angeles an important perimeter scoring option and can generate offense through jump shots, drives and isolation plays.
His role becomes even more significant if Leonard cannot play.
George will also need to contribute defensively against a Dallas lineup featuring two elite shot creators.
The Clippers' chances could depend on his ability to remain effective at both ends of the court.
Zubac provides Los Angeles with a physical presence around the basket.
His rebounding, screening and finishing are particularly important against Dallas' improved frontcourt.
The Mavericks have multiple athletic centers, but Zubac can still create problems through positioning and offensive rebounding.
His chemistry with Harden also gives the Clippers a reliable way to generate scoring opportunities inside.
The battle between Zubac, Gafford and Lively deserves attention throughout the series.
Player | Team | 2023-24 PPG | Main strength |
|---|---|---|---|
Luka Dončić | Mavericks | 33.9 | Scoring and playmaking |
Kyrie Irving | Mavericks | 25.6 | Shot creation |
Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 23.7 | Two-way scoring |
Paul George | Clippers | 22.6 | Perimeter offense |
James Harden | Clippers | 16.6 | Playmaking and pick-and-roll |
Dončić enters the series as the leading scorer among these players.
However, the Clippers have several experienced offensive contributors capable of producing strong performances.
Leonard's health is particularly important because his presence affects both the offensive and defensive matchups.
Dončić creates problems for virtually every NBA defense.
He can score from deep, attack mismatches and find teammates when opponents send additional defenders.
The Clippers need to make his possessions difficult without giving Irving and Dallas' supporting players too much space.
Their ability to limit easy scoring opportunities will be crucial.
Harden and Zubac have developed a productive partnership.
Harden's passing and Zubac's interior finishing give Los Angeles a reliable offensive option.
Dallas will need effective communication between its guards and centers to prevent easy baskets.
The Mavericks' improved interior defense should help, but Zubac remains a physical challenge.
Both teams have players capable of controlling the glass.
Dallas relies on Gafford, Lively and Washington to provide size and defensive support.
Los Angeles counters with Zubac and its veteran forwards.
Second-chance opportunities can become particularly valuable in playoff games, where possessions are often more difficult to convert.
A significant rebounding advantage could help either team overcome a difficult shooting night.
The teams met three times during the 2023-24 regular season.
Los Angeles won two of those meetings, giving the Clippers a 2-1 advantage entering the playoffs.
The franchises also met in the postseason in 2020 and 2021.
The Clippers won both series.
Season | Round | Series winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Western Conference First Round | Clippers | 4-2 |
2021 | Western Conference First Round | Clippers | 4-3 |
The 2021 series was particularly competitive, with Dallas pushing Los Angeles to seven games.
Dončić delivered several outstanding performances, but the Clippers ultimately advanced.
The 2024 matchup offers Dallas another opportunity to reverse that postseason history.
However, both teams have undergone significant roster changes since their previous meetings.
Current personnel and recent form should carry more weight than results from earlier playoff series.
Dallas enters as the favorite, supported by its strong finish to the regular season and the offensive partnership between Dončić and Irving.
The Mavericks also benefit from improved frontcourt depth.
However, Los Angeles has home-court advantage and enough experienced talent to remain competitive without Leonard.
The value of either moneyline depends on the available price and confirmed lineup.
The Mavericks are listed as 3.5-point favorites in the referenced pregame market.
Dallas' offensive strength provides a case for backing the favorite.
However, the Clippers' ability to control the tempo and create half-court scoring opportunities could keep the game close.
The spread is especially sensitive to Leonard's availability.
A significant injury update can change the market quickly.
Both teams have accomplished offensive players, but playoff games often feature more deliberate possessions and greater defensive intensity.
Dallas relies heavily on Dončić and Irving, while Los Angeles has several players capable of creating shots in the half court.
The total depends on shooting efficiency, pace and how effectively each team defends the paint.
A slower game could favor the Under, while strong three-point shooting could push the combined score higher.
Dončić's scoring and assist markets are natural areas of interest because of his central role in the Dallas offense.
Irving's points market also deserves attention, particularly if the Clippers devote additional defensive resources to Dončić.
For Los Angeles, Harden's assists and Zubac's rebounds could be relevant.
Leonard's status is an important consideration when assessing George's and Harden's expected workloads.
Dallas has several reasons for optimism entering the series opener.
Dončić and Irving give the Mavericks one of the strongest scoring combinations in the Western Conference.
Their improved frontcourt provides additional defensive support, while the team's late-season form suggests it can compete with experienced playoff opponents.
The Clippers counter with home-court advantage, a strong veteran core and previous postseason success against Dallas.
Leonard's knee injury is the biggest uncertainty.
If he cannot play, Harden and George will need to assume larger roles, while Zubac becomes even more important around the basket.
The betting market favors Dallas, but Los Angeles has enough talent to challenge that expectation.
Category | Assessment |
|---|---|
Market favorite | Dallas Mavericks |
Historical point spread | Mavericks -3.5 |
Historical total | 221.5 points |
Dallas' main advantage | Dončić and Irving |
Clippers' main advantage | Home court and veteran depth |
Biggest uncertainty | Kawhi Leonard's availability |
→ Our Take: Dallas has the stronger case on paper because of its backcourt and improved defensive depth. However, Los Angeles remains dangerous at home, particularly if Harden and George can control the half-court offense. Leonard's status is the most important factor when evaluating the betting line.
April 21, 2024 | Crypto.com Arena
Final Score: Los Angeles Clippers 109, Dallas Mavericks 97
The Clippers opened the series with a convincing victory despite playing without Kawhi Leonard.
James Harden scored 28 points, Paul George added 22, and Ivica Zubac delivered 20 points and 15 rebounds.
Dallas received 33 points from Luka Dončić and 31 from Kyrie Irving, but the Mavericks' poor first-half shooting proved too costly.
Los Angeles took a 56-30 halftime lead and held on to secure a 1-0 series advantage.
Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dallas Mavericks | 22 | 8 | 34 | 33 | 97 |
Los Angeles Clippers | 34 | 22 | 31 | 22 | 109 |
The decisive period was the second quarter.
Dallas managed just eight points, allowing Los Angeles to build a 26-point halftime advantage.
Although the Mavericks improved offensively after halftime, the early deficit was too large to overcome.
Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Luka Dončić | Mavericks | 33 | 13 | 6 |
Kyrie Irving | Mavericks | 31 | 7 | 4 |
James Harden | Clippers | 28 | 2 | 8 |
Paul George | Clippers | 22 | 6 | 3 |
Ivica Zubac | Clippers | 20 | 15 | 1 |
Harden delivered an outstanding first half, scoring 20 points before the break.
He finished with 28 points and eight assists, providing the scoring and playmaking Los Angeles needed in Leonard's absence.
His performance helped the Clippers establish control early.
Zubac was one of the most influential players on the court.
His 20 points and 15 rebounds exposed difficulties in Dallas' interior defense.
The Clippers repeatedly found opportunities near the basket, with Zubac converting chances and controlling the glass.
Dončić and Irving combined for 64 points.
However, Dallas struggled badly during the opening half.
The Mavericks shot just 38.8% from the field for the game, while the Clippers connected on 50% of their three-point attempts.
The difference in shooting efficiency was decisive.
The Clippers' 109-97 victory produced the following outcomes against the referenced historical betting lines.
Betting market | Pregame line | Result |
|---|---|---|
Clippers moneyline | +140 | Won |
Mavericks moneyline | -167 | Lost |
Clippers +3.5 | -110 | Won |
Mavericks -3.5 | -110 | Lost |
Over 221.5 | -110 | Lost |
Under 221.5 | -110 | Won |
Los Angeles won outright as the underdog and covered the 3.5-point spread.
The teams combined for 206 points, finishing 15.5 points below the posted total.
The original ATS.io article was unavailable, so there is no verified original betting selection to grade.
Dallas scored only 30 points in the first half.
That offensive collapse was the main reason the game finished well below the total.
The Mavericks improved significantly after halftime, but the Clippers had already established a substantial advantage.
Los Angeles also slowed the game during stretches of the second half, reducing the need to push the pace.
The Clippers controlled the opening half through strong shooting and disciplined defense.
Harden provided the offensive spark, while Zubac created problems inside.
Dallas' late improvement reduced the final margin, but Los Angeles still won by 12 points.
That comfortably covered the +3.5 spread.
Dallas recovered from its Game 1 defeat to win the series in six games.
Game | Date | Result | Series |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | April 21 | Clippers 109, Mavericks 97 | LAC 1-0 |
2 | April 23 | Mavericks 96, Clippers 93 | Tied 1-1 |
3 | April 26 | Mavericks 101, Clippers 90 | DAL 2-1 |
4 | April 28 | Clippers 116, Mavericks 111 | Tied 2-2 |
5 | May 1 | Mavericks 123, Clippers 93 | DAL 3-2 |
6 | May 3 | Mavericks 114, Clippers 101 | DAL wins 4-2 |
The Mavericks won four of the next five games, eliminating Los Angeles and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.
Dončić and Irving continued to lead Dallas offensively, while the team's defense improved considerably after the series opener.
The result also ended the Clippers' streak of postseason series victories against Dallas.
The Clippers demonstrated that Harden and George could carry a significant offensive workload.
Zubac's production provided another important source of scoring.
However, sustaining that level of performance across an entire playoff series proved more difficult.
Dončić and Irving scored 64 of Dallas' 97 points.
That dependence on two players made the Mavericks easier to defend when their supporting cast struggled.
Improved contributions elsewhere in the lineup became important as the series progressed.
Zubac's 15 rebounds highlighted an important challenge for Dallas.
The Mavericks needed more physicality around the basket to prevent Los Angeles from controlling the paint.
Their ability to adjust defensively helped change the direction of the series.
Los Angeles looked dominant in Game 1.
However, Dallas responded with improved defense and more balanced performances.
The Mavericks ultimately won the series despite losing the opener by 12 points.
That serves as a useful reminder that a single postseason result provides only part of the picture.
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 109-97 in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.
One published pregame market listed Dallas at -167 on the moneyline and -3.5 against the spread, with a total of 221.5 points.
Yes. Los Angeles won by 12 points and covered the +3.5 spread.
The game finished Under, with 206 combined points.
No. Leonard missed the game because of right knee inflammation.
Dončić scored 33 points and added 13 rebounds and six assists.
Irving scored 31 points.
James Harden led Los Angeles with 28 points.
Zubac recorded 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The Clippers led 56-30 at halftime.
Dallas scored just eight points in the second quarter.
Dallas won the series 4-2.
The original ATS.io article could not be recovered, so its exact betting selection and projected score are unavailable.
The Clippers delivered an impressive performance in their playoff opener, defeating Dallas 109-97 despite missing Kawhi Leonard.
James Harden controlled the first half, Ivica Zubac dominated the interior, and Los Angeles built a commanding lead before halftime.
Dallas received strong individual performances from Dončić and Irving, but its poor shooting and lack of secondary scoring proved costly.
The result rewarded bettors who backed the Clippers moneyline, Clippers +3.5 or Under 221.5 points.
However, Dallas recovered to win the series in six games, showing that its Game 1 difficulties were not representative of its overall postseason potential.
→ Our Take: Los Angeles deserved its Game 1 victory, with Harden and Zubac taking advantage of Dallas' defensive problems and slow offensive start. The Clippers covered comfortably, while the total finished Under. Dallas ultimately made the stronger adjustments across the series and advanced 4-2.
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Updated October 29, 2026
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