La Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions April 4th 2025

Anthony Davis Returns to LA as Mavericks Battle Clippers

Friday night in Los Angeles brings a bit of drama — Anthony Davis is back in town, but this time he’s wearing a different shade of blue.

It’s been two months since the blockbuster trade that sent Davis from the Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks, and after battling injury setbacks, he’s finally showing flashes of his old self. In just six games with Dallas, he’s helped them to a 5-1 record, and his most recent outing was his best yet — 34 points, 15 boards, 5 blocks, and a game-winning fadeaway with 3.4 seconds left against Atlanta.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd likes what he sees:

Veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie added a little perspective:
“He’s one of the best of all time… now it’s just about hooping and not overthinking it.”

For Davis, who helped bring a title to LA in 2020 and made three All-Star teams as a Laker, this return is more than just another road game. It’s a full-circle moment — and maybe a revenge tour, too.

Mavericks: Hanging On in a Chaotic West

After a tumultuous season in Dallas — remember the Luka Doncic trade and Kyrie Irving’s injury? — just staying in the play-in picture feels like a win.

At 38-39, the Mavs are in survival mode with the Suns and Kings nipping at their heels for the final two spots. With just two weeks left in the regular season, every game matters.

Guard Klay Thompson, who’s brought leadership and sharpshooting to the mix, said it best:
“We’re desperate to play in the playoffs. We want that home game in the play-in, then go from there.”

This is a team trying to find identity and chemistry late in the season, and if Davis continues trending up, they could surprise someone in the first round.

Check out our latest Western Conference odds to see how the Mavs stack up.

Clippers Clicking at the Right Time

Meanwhile, across the floor, the Clippers (44-32) are surging — winners of 9 of their last 11. The only losses? Against Cleveland and OKC, arguably the best teams in the NBA right now.

Big man Ivica Zubac says the team is locked in on defense:
“We’re all on a string defensively… covering each other, playing with the right mindset.”

Kawhi Leonard is in playoff form, averaging 26.4 points over his last five games, while James Harden continues to lead with 22.5 PPG and veteran poise.

As Harden said:
“We control our own destiny. We just want to be playing well, no matter who it’s against.”

The Clippers are currently seventh in the West — but just 2.5 games from third. This race is tight, and they know it.

Need a deeper dive on LA’s postseason potential? Explore our NBA Pacific Division predictions.

Key Matchup: Anthony Davis vs. Clippers’ Defense

This series could be decided in the paint. Can the Clippers slow down a red-hot Anthony Davis?

• Davis is coming off his most dominant performance since the trade.
• Zubac and Kawhi will need to provide the muscle and versatility to counter him.
• On the flip side, the Mavs must contain LA’s perimeter weapons — Leonard, Harden, and a deadly second unit.

Oh, and they do this again Saturday night at the Intuit Dome. The teams split their two earlier games in December.

Check out NBA championship odds to see who’s climbing up the board as the regular season winds down.

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FAQs

When did Anthony Davis get traded to the Mavericks?

He was traded from the Lakers to the Mavericks on February 2, 2025.

How has Davis played since joining Dallas?

Despite limited action due to injury, Davis has helped the Mavs go 5-1 in his six games, including a monster 34-point night against Atlanta.

Are the Mavericks still in the playoff race?

Yes. They’re battling for a play-in spot in the crowded Western Conference with just two weeks left.

How are the Clippers doing?

The Clippers have won 9 of their last 11 games and are sitting 7th in the West — just 2.5 games from third.

Who’s leading the Clippers right now?

Kawhi Leonard (26.4 PPG over his last five) and James Harden (22.5 PPG) are carrying the load.

Where can I follow updated NBA playoff odds?

You can find the latest projections in our NBA Odds & Predictions blog.