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Will Kawhi Leonard & Luka Doncic Play Tonight? LA Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Game 6: Prediction, Injuries, & Lineups
The LA Clippers face off against the Dallas Mavericks in a do or die match-up. This game will be held at the Staples Center and is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM EST.
Coming into game 5, the Clippers had all the momentum in the world with them with two victories on the road. Playing at their home ground, Kawhi and Co. were expected to take the lead. But Luka Doncic certainly wasn’t prepared to do so. Dropping a whopping 42 points and 14 assists performance, the Mavs defeated the Clippers 105-100.
While they could limit Doncic in game 4, the Clippers simply had no answer for the Slovenian prodigy who single-handedly destroyed their defense in game 5. With Doncic exploiting the mismatch, the Clippers need to try to double the 2-time All-Star. If they can limit the Slovenian, the Mavs’ offense will cripple down, giving a massive chance for the Clippers to tie the series.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, put on a show against the Clippers in game 5. It was purely the Luka show as the Slovenian put up an insane 42 points along with 14 assists. The 21-year-old accounted for 31 out of the 37 makes the Mavs had showing how impactful he really is in the offensive end.
Apart from Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr also had a great game as he was the only other Mavs player to cross double digits in points. Coach Rick Carlisle will hope that his Slovenian prodigy can carry his team across the line and close out the series in front of the Dallas crowd.
Predictions
With their backs against the wall, this is certainly a must win for the Clippers. While home court advantage traditionally has helped teams, this series has been pretty unique as none of the teams have won a single game at their home arena.
Given how this Clippers team has performed under tremendous pressure, they might have one last go in this series and might just have an edge in this match-up. But if they fail to slow down the Mavericks early in the game, the Clippers might find themselves in huge trouble.
LA Clippers’ injury updates and predicted lineup
The Clippers will miss their starting center Serge Ibaka due to a back injury against the Mavericks. Down 3-2 in the series, the Clippers need their superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to step up offensively as well as defensively. Can the Clippers make a comeback against the Mavericks?
Probable Lineup
Patrick Beverley (G)
Paul George (G)
Kawhi Leonard (G)
Marcus Morris Sr. (F)
Ivica Zubac (C)
Dallas Mavericks: Injury updates and expected lineup
The Mavericks will also miss a single player in veteran shooter JJ Reddick is sidelined as he recovers from a heel injury. With a 3-2 lead in the series, the Mavs will look to close out the series at their home. Will Doncic put up another superb performance against the Clippers and advance to the second round of the series.
Predicted Lineup
Luka Doncic (G)
Josh Richardson (G)
Dorian Finney Smith (G)
Dwight Powell (C)
Who will win between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers? Let us know in the comments below.
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