The Clippers made an impressive comeback against the Mavericks right when everyone had foreseen an upset. If the last two games are anything to go by, the Mavs stand no chance against the heavily loaded LA side.
On Wednesday night, the Clippers will again play at the Staples Center, a home venue where they last won a playoff game in 2017. But unlike any other time, the Clips have an upper hand with an in-form duo in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. So what are the chances that Luka Doncic can still snatch a victory?
Clippers vs Mavericks: Injury updates and lineup predictions
The Mavericks are in huge trouble as far as injuries go. They already had shooting expert JJ Redick (heel injury) out of the series and now two other big names have entered the list. First, they have their star point guard Luka Doncic probable for the game because of a cervical strain in neck. Lastly, Maxi Kleber is also a day-to-day decision after the power forward’s Achilles troubles.
Probable starting lineup – Dorian Finney-Smith (SF), Kristaps Porzingis (PF), Dwight Powell (C), Luka Doncic (PG), Tim Hardaway Jr (SG)
For the Clippers, things are stable with only center Serge Ibaka (back issue) who is unlikely to play Game 5.
Possible starting five – Kawhi Leonard (SF), Marcus Morris Sr (PF), Nicolas Batum (C), Reggie Jackson (PG), Paul George (SG)
Who wins?
In Game 3, the Mavs had a 30-11 lead over the Clippers which they blew away, thanks to a two-way dominance of Kawhi Leonard. That turnaround proved the Clips are no more the same unit that would choke in the clutch moments.
After that, Game 4 became witness to a crazy show by the LA-based franchise that stopped the Mavs at 81 points, winning all the quarters. The Claw’s 29-point double-double and another decent defensive game held the Mavs down. The Clippers were so good at their defense that only three of their opponents could score in double figures.
Further, a semi-fit Luka Doncic, playing with medical strips and pad around his shoulders, could not perform at his optimum level. In fact, he even struggled from the FT line and that raised some concerns. Stunningly, even a 17000 capacity crowd failed to inject energy into the Mavs that appeared faded away throughout the game.
So now, after both the teams combining for four on-road victories, we predict a home-court win for the Clippers.
Watch this story – Kawhi Leonard and Others’ Vicious Dunks from 2020-21 Season
The post Will Luka Doncic Play Tonight? LA Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Game 5: Prediction, Injuries, & Lineups appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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