Mavericks vs. Clippers final score prediction for Game 2 of the NBA playoffs

Playing without five-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard, the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers defied the odds in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Using a dominant second quarter, the Clippers pulled away for a 12-point win as a home underdog.

The Clippers are right back in the same spot, getting points at home in Game 2 of the series Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Leonard, who has missed nine straight games, participated in a walkthrough Monday and is listed as questionable heading into the matchup.

Using the latest betting odds, here’s an attempt to predict the final score for Game 2 of Mavericks-Clippers. 

Mavericks vs. Clippers odds, spread and total

Mavericks vs. Clippers NBA expert prediction and pick 

Earlier today, the handicap for this pivotal Game 2 matchup was split in half with a sole focus on an improvement from the Mavericks’ high-scoring offense with a bet on the Dallas team total over 108.5 points (-115). 

It’s tough to lay the short spread with Dallas as a road favorite considering Leonard appears to be trending toward a return on Tuesday which would likely flip the Clippers to a small favorite or at least turn the game toward pick ‘em. 

Instead, we’re trusting a Mavericks’ offense that finished seventh in the NBA in road scoring (116.5 points per game) to bounce back from a poor shooting performance in the series opener. 

Dallas scored just eight points in the second quarter which made a big comeback virtually impossible. 

The Mavericks outscored the Clippers, 67-53, in the second half, but it couldn’t offset a 31-of-80 (38.8%) performance from the field and a 10-of-33 outing from the perimeter. 

Mavericks vs. Clippers final score prediction 

Dallas has the second-best ATS mark in the NBA this season (48-35) and tied with Golden State for the best ATS record on the road (27-15). With the spread likely to flip based on the upcoming announcement of Leonard’s availability, we’re counting on Dallas’ offense to not suffer back-to-back shooting slumps. 

The Mavericks averaged 114.3 points per game against the Clippers during the regular season and played well in all other facets of Game 1. 

Dallas was held under 100 points in each of its final two regular-season games when the Mavericks were resting their starters. With their heavy hitters in the lineup, Dallas was held under the century mark five times during the regular season. In their five games after a double-digit performance, Dallas averaged 125.6 points per game. 

The series is still projected to be competitive with the Clippers currently -142 to advance and Dallas at +116. The series starts from scratch after Tuesday night and heads to Dallas tied 1-1. 

Final score prediction: Mavericks 115, Clippers 112

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Odds update periodically and are subject to change.