Dallas Mavericks: 3 players that need to step up in Game 1 vs. Clippers

Dallas Mavericks: 3 players that need to step up in Game 1 vs. the LA Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks are back in the playoffs. It will be their first time without Dirk Nowitzki on the roster since 1990. The new-look Mavs led by Luka Doncic are just beginning what fans hope is another incredible two-decade run of success.

The Mavericks finished 43-32 in the regular season. That earned them the seventh-seed in the Western Conference and a date with the LA Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. Dallas is a massive underdog against one of the title favorites this year. It will be the first NBA postseason experience for both Luka and Kristaps Porzingis.

The action kicks off on Monday night. Fans can see the entire schedule here. The Mavs need some unexpected performances to make the series interesting. Role players need to make plays when called upon if an upset is on the horizon.

3 Dallas Mavericks that need to step up in the series opener against the LA Clippers

Luka Doncic is going to perform. He averages 29.0 points per over the three meetings this season, but the Clippers have won each time. They have done well at limiting his efficiency. Some of that is his supporting cast not filling their roles. Expect the 21-year-old superstar to put up massive numbers.

The rest of the team will determine the result, though. Here is a look at who needs to step up for the Mavericks to secure the upset in game one.

Next: No. 3