Mapping the easiest and toughest paths to NBA title for Dallas Mavericks

Prediction for the Dallas Mavericks' first-round series against the LA Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks' first-round series against the LA Clippers is going to be an uphill battle, but the Mavs have the roster and momentum to take down the Clippers.

The Mavs won 16 of their final 20 games heading into the playoffs with two of those losses coming against the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder when the Mavs were resting most of their role players. Dallas is one of the hottest teams in the NBA heading into the playoffs, and this will matter in the Clippers series.

Slowing down Kawhi Leonard is something the Mavs have struggled with in the past, but doing this will be crucial to a series win. Leonard is someone who seemingly always excels in the playoffs, and the Mavs know this as well as anyone.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving should be able to take over this series, and P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. are two pieces they can throw at Leonard and Paul George to slow them down.

Slowing down Russell Westbrook could also be a crucial part of this series, but the Mavs have plenty of players they can use against him.

With the Clippers' defense not being great and Dallas' momentum heading into the playoffs, I predict the Mavs will beat the Clippers in six games. The Mavs are serious contenders, and the Clippers will have to be at their absolute best if they want to take down the red-hot Mavs.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024 NBA Playoffs, stay tuned.