NBA Picks: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Friday, 1/3/14, 8:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Dallas -1
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -1.5
Opening Total: 204.5
Current Total: 204
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Dallas Mavericks are on a 3-0 SUATS run

Los Angeles has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, as it comes off a 112-85 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats as 10.5-point home favorites Wednesday, while going OVER the betting total of 193. The Clippers have three probable starters averaging in double figures, with forward Blake Griffin leading the way at 22.0 points a contest, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. He is coming off a 31-point performance last time out. Los Angeles is 5-1 SUATS versus Southwest division opponents this season, with no clear edge in terms of the betting total (3-3 Over/Under).

The Clippers are 8-9 SU away from the Staples Center this season, including a 5-4 mark versus Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles has dropped 11 of its last 12 trips to the American Airlines Center, which is important to consider when making your NBA betting picks. The franchise is showing an improved defense under first-year head coach Doc Rivers, which has led to a 15-8 SU record since Nov. 19.

Dallas has won and covered the number in its last three games, including an 87-78 victory over the Washington Wizards as two-point road underdogs Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total in each of those contests. The Mavericks haven’t been getting much production from forward Dirk Nowitzki offensively, as he shot a combined 34.8 percent on the team’s recent three-game road trip. Dallas 0-3 ATS after three or more consecutive UNDERs during the 2013-14 campaign.

The Mavericks are 14-3 SU this season when leading going into the fourth quarter, including a 9-1 mark at home. Dallas will continue to lean heavily on small forward Shawn Marion on both ends of the floor, as he’s averaging 18.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals over his last three games. Shooting guard Monta Ellis is also coming off a game-high 23-point performance against the Wizards.