It’s the most talked about series in the first round, thanks to Luka Doncic’s phenomenal performances. With Paul George finding his mojo back, though, the LA Clippers are on the verge of sending Luka and the Dallas Mavericks home.

HOME TEAM: #7 Dallas Mavericks (2-3)

After scoring 120 or more points from Games 2-4, the Mavericks fell flat in Game 5. They were obliterated by the Clippers, 154-111, and it matched their franchise’s worst playoff loss in history.

Making matters worse was the recent news that Kristaps Porzingis will be out for the reason due to a torn meniscus. It’s a massive blow as Porzingis serves as the second option behind Luka Doncic, while also providing interior defense.

As such, Doncic will again have to do some pretty heavy-lifting, particularly on offense. The 21-year-old is averaging 29.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game on the series.

Helping Luka will be the three-guard combo of Tim Hardaway Jr. (19.4 PPG), Seth Curry (14 PPG), and Trey Burke (13.6 PPG), who are also posting decent stats in the series. Each have had solid performances in the match-up, but they have to do that again and more tomorrow if the Mavs want to live another day.

ROAD TEAM: #2 LA Clippers (3-2)

The Clippers bounced back from their heart-breaking Game 4 overtime loss with a resounding 43-point thrashing in Game 5. It, too, set records as they recorded playoff franchise-bests 154 points, 22 three-pointers, and 63% field goal shooting.

Paul George became a trending meme over the past week due to his slump (10-for-47 from Games 2-4), but was finally able to break out. He went for 35 points on 12-for-18 shooting, and it looked like the start of his revenge tour. Look out.

Kawhi Leonard is, of course, the top weapon, and he’s showing it with all-around series averages of 32.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals on 52.3% shooting. He should be able to continue producing such numbers. Lou Williams, meanwhile, is still behind the two-way duo with 18.2 PPG, which includes a 36-point outing in Game 4.

The Clippers are currently the highest-scoring team in the playoffs at 129.8 PPG.

PREDICTIONS:

PG breaking out of his funk is just in time, and it will translate to another victory. I expect the Clippers to finally put away the Mavericks.

Clipps win, 124-115.