Luka and the Mavs had a long and frustrating night the last time the Clippers were in town. Can they make it competitive this time?

HOME TEAM: Dallas Mavericks (27-15, 13-10 at home)

The Dallas Mavericks are riding high from a four-game winning streak. They are scoring 120 PPG on that span and winning by an average of 14.2 points.

It’s good and all, especially against a team like the LA Clippers… except they were in a very similar position during the previous encounter and it ended in a one-sided loss. Kristaps Porzingis (knee) won’t be around too as he is still a couple of games away from a return.

The Mavs got clobbered by the LA Clippers back in late November, 114-99, despite coming in with the confidence of having six-straight victories. Luka Doncic had a rough showing and was only 4-for-14 from the floor, with most of his 22 points coming from the free throw line. He also turned the ball over seven times.

Luka (28.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 9.0 APG) and his crew should be aiming hard for a revenge tomorrow. His scoring help looks better than before as five other Mavericks are averaging in double figures in the past week, as led by Tim Hardaway Jr. (19.3 PPG), Seth Curry (15.3 PPG), and Dwight Powell (15.3 PPG).

ROAD TEAM: LA Clippers (30-13, 11-9 on the road)

The Clippers started their six-game road trip with a 133-130 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. It was their third-straight victory and they are averaging 127.7 PPG in that span while shooting over 50% from the floor.

The usual suspects led the Clipps in the win against the Mavs months back. Kawhi Leonard had a game-high 28 points, Lou Williams came off the bench to score 21, and the defense held the Mavs to just 38%-shooting (31% in the first half). Paul George tallied 26 points and six steals, but he has missed the last five games and still not likely to be available tomorrow.

Expect Leonard (26.9 PPG), Williams (20 PPG), and Harrell (19.3 PPG) to remain as the top scorers, with guards Landry Shamet also chipping in. The second-year guard has three-straight games scoring in double digits.

PREDICTION:

Kawhi and company will be focused to stomp the upstart Mavs, and prove that they are simply more poised and experienced. The Clippers make the season series two-zip with a 116-108 win.