Dallas has won 18 of their last 27 games, making significant strides defensively, especially in the paint.

Kawhi Leonard missed 14 games this season, and the Clippers went 7-7 in those games. If he's unavailable today, LA will struggle relying on Paul George and James Harden, as the latter hasn't been efficient, especially lately (11.7 PPG on 31% shooting and 24% from three in his last ten games).

I believe the Mavericks will pounce on this opportunity to take game one, covering the spread (up to -5).