Best NBA prop bets today for Mavericks vs. Clippers for Game 1 of Western Conference Playoffs

Questions swirl around one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the NBA postseason when the Mavericks and Clippers tip off in Los Angeles. 

With Kawhi Leonard expected to miss Game 1, how will that alter the player prop market? We have limited options right now, but a handful on the star players like Luka Doncic and James Harden, here’s how I’m looking to play them with plenty of questions around how the Clippers attack without its best player. 

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• Best Player Props for Mavericks vs. Clippers Game 1

• Luka Doncic OVER 9.5 assists
• James Harden UNDER 17.5 points 

Luka Doncic OVER 9.5 assists

This is right in line with Doncic’s season average, but I believe the Clippers first objective will be to force the ball out of the MVP candidate’s hands, which means I believe the high usage guard will work to find open teammates and flirt with a triple double. 

Without Leonard to stay in front, I believe we can see several coverages thrown at Doncic to get the ball out of his hands, so I believe this can be a game where Kyrie Irving gets more looks than usual and the rest of the Mavericks starting rotation counted on to get going from the perimeter. 

I’ll back Doncic to go over this mark with heightened than the already massive usage. 

James Harden UNDER 17.5 points

Harden is averaging less than 15 points since the All-Star break, and I believe he is going to be tasked with picking up the play making drop-off with Kawhi Leonard, but his game revolves around his facilitating now, not his scoring. 

The former MVP is lacking the speed with his ball in his hands to create his own offense and is a non-starter in catch-and-shoot situations. With the loss of Leonard, I expect him to struggle even more to find space to shoot, leading me to the under on his points prop. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.