With the defending NBA Champions taking on the tough-as-nails Los Angeles Clippers in what could be a playoff preview, fans across the NBA will have a vested interest in this matchup.

The Clippers are the younger team with more speed and agility, but the Mavericks know how to play defense. It will be fun to see whether LA can push the pace or if Dallas controls the tempo.

 

Which Team Will Win this Game?

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Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

When: February 13, 8:30 p.m. ET

Watch: Not Nationally Televised

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Listen: ESPN Radio

 

Betting Line: Covers.com

Over/Under: 187.5, Spread: Dallas -4.5

If I was putting my money down on this game, I would stay away from the over/under. While both teams are talented offensively, they both can decide to play defense and make this a low-scoring game. I would also take the Clippers outright here. I have LA wining the game outright, so taking four points is just an added bonus.

138767689_crop_340x234 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

 

Injuries: CBS Sports

Mavericks

None

Clippers

Chauncey Billups, Out for Season

 

What They’re Saying

With the lack of success Lamar Odom has found in Dallas, many fans are wondering if the Clippers could be an option if the Mavericks cut ties after this season:

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As much as the NBA Champions are just that until proven otherwise, certain fans think that they are already not the favorites:

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Key Matchup: Chris Paul vs. Jason Kidd

92776826_crop_340x234 Chris Graythen/Getty Images

While the point guard position is undoubtedly the deepest in the NBA, there are few elite point men. Chris Paul is one of the best, if not the best.

Jason Kidd used to be one of the best, but his game has slowed and now he has become whatever his team needs him to be. On Monday, the Mavericks need him to play shut-down defense on the stellar Paul.

Paul is going to get his points and his assists, but if Kidd can limit the damage he can do, it will limit the chances for every other player on the Clippers. That may be enough to get the Mavericks past the Clip Show. Or not.

Prediction: Clippers 99, Mavericks 96

 

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