The Clippers have been without Kawhi Leonard due to knee inflammation for the L8 games.  They’ve lost their L3 games and in last year’s playoffs they lost all 3 games without Kawhi.  His status is uncertain for playoffs and I think the Mavs are capable of winning even with Kawhi available.

The trades the Mavs have made are paying dividends as DAL is possibly the hottest team over the last month or so going 16-2 SU prior to resting Luka & Kyrie the L2 games of the season.  They also will have the best player on the court in Luka and a good coach.

The Clippers are untrustworthy for a couple reasons.  #1 is health… it seems somebody if not multiple stars are out too often. Right now that player is Kawhi and even if he comes back for game 1, it could flare back up throughout the series. Harden has also been dealing with a foot injury.  #2 is players like harden have a history of shrinking in the playoffs.  Westbrook’s play style also doesn’t translate to wins in the playoffs and he’s lost in the 1st round in 5 of 6 playoff series since he & KD split.