NBA Odds: Clippers vs. Mavericks prediction, odds, pick

The Los Angeles Clippers (8-6) visit the Dallas Mavericks (7-5) in a Western Conference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. LA is in seventh place in the Western conference after a victory over Houston on Monday night. Dallas is sixth in sixth place after beating the Blazers last weekend. The two teams split their season series last year, 2-2.

Clippers had a rough start to the season, but they have since won six of their last eight games. LA is a defensive-minded team that plays at a snail's pace and grinds out games, while playing at the fourth-slowest pace in the league. They are last in points per game and 29th in offensive efficiency, and they are not a good rebounding team either. Paul George is the only player averaging more than 15 points for LA this season. Norman Powell has been playing well recently, averaging 12.3 points in his last four games for the Clippers.

Dallas Mavericks are a defensive-minded team. Luka Doncic has been incredible for them this season. Christian Wood has played well recently for Dallas. Clippers are the favorite. They are favored to win. LA is a better team than Dallas, but they are not as good as Dallas on the defensive end. Dallas is better on offense. The Mavericks have the highest Player Efficiency Rating (33.33) and are ninth in offensive efficiency (9th).

Clippers are the better team, but Dallas is the superior team. The game should be close.

Los Angeles Clippers are +7 to beat Dallas Mavericks.