The Dallas Mavericks come into the playoffs having won 12 of their last 16 games. As a team, the Mavs are putting up 112.4 points a game and they are shooting 47 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from deep. On the defensive end, they are giving up 110.2 points and their opponents are shooting percent from the field and 36.5 percent from deep. The offense is led by Luka Doncic with 27.7 points and 8.6 assists. Kristaps Porzingis adds 20.1 points and grabs 8.9 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Clippers come into the playoffs having gone 4-4 over their last eight games to finish the season. As a team, the Clippers are putting up 114 points a game and they are shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from deep. On the defensive end, they are giving up 107.8 points and their opponents are shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from deep. The offense is led by Kawhi Leonard with 24.8 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. Paul George adds 23.3 points and 6.6 rebounds.

The Clippers are the more talented team, but the Mavs have played them close over the last eight meetings, winning half of those games. Doncic showed last year that he can put a team on his back and carry them in the playoffs, he has Porzingis to help carry the load. I like the Mavs to keep this one close.

Play on Dallas.