Clippers vs. Mavericks Game 2

• Date: Tuesday, April 23 | Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, CA
• TV channel: TNT
• Odds: Clippers -1.5; O/U 216.5 per DraftKings Sportsbook

The Dallas Mavericks will face off against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Crypto.com Arena after a blowout loss in Game 1. Despite Kawhi Leonard being sidelined in the series opener, the Clippers dominated en route to a 109-97 victory. They held the Mavs to just 8 points in the second quarter, building an insurmountable 26-point-lead by halftime.

What Went Wrong For Dallas?

The Mavericks had a prime opportunity to jump ahead in the series with Kawhi’s absence. Aside from shooting only 39% from the field, Dallas had no answer for Ivica Zubac. Their small ball lineup was terrorized on the glass as Zubac finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Daniel Gafford, Dallas’ tallest big, didn’t grab a single rebound in the game.

Additionally, the Mavs supporting cast failed to support Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the offensive end. The dynamic duo combined for 64 points while the rest of the Mavericks combined for just 33. Tim Hardaway, PJ Washington, and Maxi Kleber will need to be much more aggressive in Game 2 to take some pressure off their stars.

Will Kawhi Leonard Play in Game 2?

No announcement has been made on Kawhi Leonard’s availability for Game 2 just yet. However, videos have surfaced of Kawhi Leonard being present at team shootarounds during practice this afternoon. Perhaps it is a sign that he will be gearing up to play tonight.

Clippers Mavericks Game 2 Prediction

Whether or not Kawhi plays, I think Los Angeles will protect home court in Game 2. Aside from Doncic and Irving, the Mavs lack the offensive production needed from their role players to win. The two may need to keep averaging close to 30 to compete every night, while the Clippers should still be able to rely on a solid 8-man rotation in Kawhi’s absence.

Prediction: Clippers

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