Dallas Mavericks vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions December 19th 2024

Mavericks Aim to Stay Hot Against Clippers in Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks are riding a wave of success after overcoming a sluggish start to the season. With a sparkling 12-2 record in their last 14 games, the Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday in the first of a two-game series.

Mavericks’ Surge Fueled by Team Chemistry

Dallas (17-9) has been nearly unstoppable since their 5-7 start, a turnaround Mavericks coach Jason Kidd attributes to growing chemistry:

“Just getting comfortable with one another,” Kidd said. “Sometimes it takes time. The first two weeks of the season, with the injuries we had coming out of camp, we just had to get used to one another. Guys have done really good with that.”

The Mavericks are coming off a 143-133 win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, where Luka Doncic posted a monstrous 45-point triple-double (45 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds). Doncic, a five-time All-Star, has been a consistent thorn in the Clippers’ side, averaging 32.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 18 career regular-season matchups against them.

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Dallas also continues to benefit from the contributions of Kyrie Irving, who added 21 points in the win over Golden State, and second-year center Dereck Lively II, whose hustle and energy have been invaluable.

“D-Live’s work ethic, his coachability, his energy, and what he brings to the team—it’s at a high,” Kidd said of Lively, who is averaging 8.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

Clippers Find Their Rhythm Behind Harden

The Clippers (15-11) enter Thursday’s game fresh off a commanding 144-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday. James Harden stole the show, sinking seven 3-pointers and finishing with 41 points, his season high.

Harden has been the steadying force for the Clippers, averaging 22.1 points, 8.3 assists, and 6.5 rebounds. Despite his heavy minutes (33.7 per game), Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised Harden’s ability to manage his workload:

“He knows his body,” Lue said. “We just want to make sure he is healthy all the way through, and he’s been doing a good job with that.”

The Clippers continue to navigate key absences, including Kawhi Leonard (knee inflammation) and Derrick Jones Jr. (hamstring). Despite these setbacks, Lue emphasized the team’s resilience:

“No matter who’s been here, when guys have been out, we always feel like we have a chance to win,” Lue said.

Key Matchups to Watch

Luka Doncic vs. Clippers’ Defense

Containing Luka Doncic has been a perennial challenge for Los Angeles, and his recent triple-double against Golden State underscores his ability to dominate games. The Clippers will need to deploy multiple defensive looks to disrupt his rhythm.

James Harden vs. Mavericks’ Backcourt

With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, Harden has shouldered the offensive load for Los Angeles. His playmaking and shooting will test Dallas’ perimeter defense, particularly in transition and pick-and-roll situations.

Dereck Lively II vs. Clippers’ Bigs

Lively’s rim protection and rebounding have been critical for Dallas, but he faces a tough challenge against the Clippers’ experienced frontcourt. His ability to counter Harden’s drives and clean up second-chance opportunities will be pivotal.

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What’s at Stake

For the Mavericks, a win would solidify their position as one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference and help maintain momentum heading into the holiday stretch.

For the Clippers, this game represents a chance to build consistency after snapping their three-game losing streak and integrating Harden more seamlessly into their system.

The Bottom Line

This matchup pits two teams trending upward, with star players like Luka Doncic and James Harden at the center of the action. The Mavericks’ recent cohesion and home-court advantage give them the edge, but the Clippers’ firepower and resilience make this a must-watch contest.

Can Doncic continue his dominance against Los Angeles, or will Harden and the Clippers find a way to stifle the Mavericks’ momentum? Thursday’s game promises a thrilling clash between two teams on a mission.