Dallas hosts the LA Clippers in an important game for them to get into the NBA playoffs. The Mavericks have 12 games left to try and get the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and they are 3.5 games back from the spot heading into Thursday night's action. The Clippers are essentially a lock for the postseason, but they're still fighting for home-court advantage in the first round. They enter tonight as a five-seed.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 PM Eastern time, and it will be broadcasted on Prime Ticket and FSN Southwest.
Clippers (43-29, 2nd Pacific, 35-37 ATS)
Los Angeles has been streaky for a lot of the season, and that trend continues by winning three straight games after losing three consecutive. Part of the winning ways was thanks to Cleveland resting the majority of their starters and playing weaker opponents, the Knicks and the Lakers. The offense has been on a tear recently with 113 points on average in the last five games.
Jamal Crawford (12.2 ppg) had a solid 26 points in their last meeting with Dallas. He's been hot recently with 13 or more points in three of his last four games.
Mavericks (30-40, 4th Southwest, 38-32 ATS)
Playoff chances are on life support for Dallas, who have lost four of their last six games.
After getting smacked by Golden State on Tuesday, who is a potential first-round matchup for them, perhaps the Warriors are just trying to get the job done of knocking them out now before a best-of-seven series. The Mavericks have been outscored by over 15 points on average in the last five games.
Seth Curry (12.6 ppg) will likely play in the contest despite having some issues with his shoulder.
He scored 10 points and recorded four assists in 27 minutes of action against the Warriors.
The Clippers have won three of the last four meetings, but Dallas won the last matchup 90-88 back on December 23rd. 5.5 points favor LA on the road, and the total O/U is set at 204. The Clippers are 1-7 in their last eight games against teams that have a straight-up losing record.
