Introduction: Playoff Matchup Determined
After the conclusion of the NBA regular season schedule today, the first matchup for the first round of the Western Conference playoffs has been officially confirmed. It will feature the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers in a head-to-head showdown. This marks the third postseason encounter between them in the last five seasons. However, the rankings between the two teams in the regular season standings could still change, with the remaining games of the season determining who will have the home-court advantage in this series.
Current Standings and Playoff Picture
The Clippers currently occupy the 4th seed in the Western Conference, holding a 1.5-game lead over the Mavericks. With just one win needed in their remaining 3 regular-season games, the Clippers can secure home-court advantage for the series. In their recent two playoff matchups, the Clippers have held the home-court advantage, and they have emerged victorious in both series against the Mavericks.
Past Playoff Encounters
Although the Clippers have emerged victorious in their two previous playoff matchups against the Mavericks, the battles were far from easy. In the 2019-20 season, during the bubble playoffs, the Clippers eliminated the Mavericks in the first round with a 4-2 series win. This marked Luka Doncic’s playoff debut, highlighted by his miraculous game-winning three-pointer in overtime during Game 4, a moment that remains fresh in memory.
In the 2020-21 season, the Clippers and Mavericks met again in the first round. Despite the Mavericks initially gaining the upper hand, the Clippers displayed resilience in the final two games to secure back-to-back victories, ultimately winning the series 4-3. Doncic’s performances in this series were remarkable, averaging 35.7 points and 10.3 assists per game, playing an average of 40.2 minutes per game.
Current Momentum and Key Players
Both the Clippers and the Mavericks are entering the playoffs with strong momentum. In comparison to their previous matchups, Doncic now has the support of Kyrie Irving, while the Clippers are hopeful for the return of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in good health. Additionally, they have reinforcements in the form of James Harden and Russell Westbrook in the backcourt. It is widely believed that this series may once again come down to the wire before a victor is determined. (ME88)
