Dallas Mavericks: 3 key matchups in LA Clippers series

The Dallas Mavericks won 12 of their last 16 regular-season games to take home the Southwest Division title and move up to fifth in the Western Conference. They are hot and ready to make noise in the playoffs.

The LA Clippers lost their final two regular-season games to slip to fourth and set up a rematch against the Mavs in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. Kawhi Leonard and his team survived a scare from Dallas inside the Walt Disney World bubble but advanced in six games. Luka Doncic was unbelievable in that series, including hitting an unforgettable game-winning buzzer-beater.

The Mavericks won two of the three regular-season meetings this year. Fans should expect it to be one of the best opening round series. Here is a closer look at the matchups that will determine which team advances.

3 key matchups in Dallas Mavericks vs. LA Clippers playoff series

The Mavs will go as far as Luka Doncic takes them. The rematch will be a different series. Jalen Brunson and Dwight Powell did not play during the bubble because of injuries. Kristaps Porzingis only saw action in three of the six games in the 2020 series. He missed the rest with a knee injury. The Mavericks are a deeper team that is hungry to go on a deep playoff run.

They will be looking for any way to get the upper hand over the LA Clippers. Here are three matchups that will have a direct impact on which team wins the series in 2021 and advances to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Next: No. 3