NBA picks: Clippers vs. Mavericks prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for Wednesday, Dec. 20
One of the best recent rivalries in the NBA will be renewed Wednesday evening when the Los Angeles Clippers (16-10) visit the Dallas Mavericks (16-10). After a slow start to the season, the Clippers have won eight games in a row and are looking like title contenders. The Mavericks lost to the Nuggets in their last game but have won five of their last seven contests. This is the third meeting this season between the Clippers and Mavericks, with the sides splitting the first two contests.
Paul George and Bones Hyland are questionable for the Clippers. George is dealing with an illness. Rookie big man Dereck Lively is out for the Mavericks. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined with a heel contusion.
The Clippers are 3-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total coming in at 237. Los Angeles is -155 on the moneyline while Dallas is +130.
Clippers vs. Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Clippers -3
The Clippers are surging right now, looking absolutely unstoppable on offense. James Harden has clicked with Kawhi Leonard and George, which is a dangerous development for the rest of the league. LA has covered in six of the eight wins, including the last four in a row.
The Mavericks have covered in five of their last seven games, all victories for Dallas. Not having Irving or Lively is a tough proposition against this particular team, even with Luka Doncic capable of taking the game over. Back the Clippers to keep their winning ways going.
Over/Under: Over 237
The Clippers are 10-15-1 to the over this season, but have been hitting overs lately. They’ve gone over their last three totals, and four of their last five. The Mavericks are 18-8 to the over this season, and have gone over their totals in six of the last seven games. The first matchup between these teams went well over this total, while the second contest went well under. It’s a massive number but I like the over to hit again tonight.
