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NBA Playoffs 2020: Updated Postseason Odds, Schedule, Dates and Predictions

Aug 21, 2020
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Dallas won 127-114. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Dallas won 127-114. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

The NBA is moving at warp speed.

As if getting a day's worth of playoff thrillers wasn't enough, Thursday night also brought about the latest draft lottery. Congratulations are in order for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who secured the first overall pick. And, as per usual, condolences are out to the New York Knicks, who haven't improved their lottery spot since 1985 and fell back two places to eighth.

Before hoop heads can catch their collective breath, another four-game slate is on deck for Friday. So, let's not waste any time and get to the latest championship odds (per Caesars Palace), the postseason dates you need to know and our predictions for the four series on Friday's schedule.

                

Updated NBA Championship Odds

Los Angeles Clippers +275

Los Angeles Lakers +325

Milwaukee Bucks +375

Toronto Raptors +700

Boston Celtics +800

Houston Rockets +850

Denver Nuggets +1800

Miami Heat +2000

Portland Trail Blazers +2000

Dallas Mavericks +3000

Utah Jazz +3500

Oklahoma City Thunder +10000

Philadelphia 76ers +25000

Orlando Magic +50000

Indiana Pacers +50000

Brooklyn Nets +500000

              

Key NBA Postseason Dates

August 31: Conference semifinals begin

September 15: Conference finals begin

September 30: NBA Finals begin

October 13: Latest possible date for NBA Finals

               

Friday, Aug. 21 NBA Playoff Schedule and Series Predictions

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets: 1:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV

Does the NBA hand out participation trophies? Would the Nets even collect them since half their original roster isn't actually participating in the playoffs?

These are the questions we're left to ponder with the Raptors holding the 2-0 series lead everyone expected.

Toronto should probably sweep this series and will if Caris LeVert can't find his shot. Brooklyn's temporary go-to scorer is just 10-of-36 overall (27.8 percent) and 0-of-6 from distance through the first two games of this series.

Prediction: Raptors in four.

              

Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz: 4 p.m. ET on TNT

With Bojan Bogdanovic on the shelf and Mike Conley briefly out of the bubble for the birth of his son, the Jazz needed Donovan Mitchell to be special. He's on the verge of redefining the term.

In Game 1, he flooded the stat sheet with 57 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a steal in a game that Utah actually didn't win (thanks, in no small part, to Jamal Murray's 36-point, nine-assist gem). Mitchell followed that up with an absurdly efficient 30-point performance, hitting 10-of-14 from the field and 6-of-7 from range in the Jazz's 124-105 Game 2 victory.

"He is making the right play, and it shows his mentality that he's able to do what he did the other day, and then tonight, in a different situation against different coverages and adjustments, he continued to make the right play," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters afterward.

The Nuggets need to cool Mitchell off quickly, but that's obviously easier said than done—especially with no Gary Harris. The margin for error in this series is minimal, but Mitchell is making it harder to bet against Utah.

Prediction: Jazz in six.

               

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT

The Sixers' nightmare is becoming their reality. Maybe this was always inevitable once Ben Simmons went under the knife, but if felt like Philly could maybe make Boston sweat since Joel Embiid is such an impossible cover for the Shamrocks.

Well, Embiid is scoring at will (30.0 points per game on 52.8 percent shooting), and Philadelphia still can't get within arm's reach of Boston. The Celtics opened the series with an eight-point triumph, then sprinted to a 27-point win in Game 2. Oh, and now Embiid is getting frustrated.

"Jayson [Tatum] has been killing it. You have to find a way to get the ball out of his hands," Embiid told reporters. "They want me to stay back...but we've got to make adjustments. Something's got to change. It feels too easy."

The Sixers seem overpowered and undermanned, and it's hard to imagine that changing in a significant way going forward. There might be a game or two in which Embiid gets rolling and a few of his teammates join him for the ride, but this potentially thorny matchup is becoming a rather comfortable one for Boston.

Prediction: Celtics in five.

                

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks: 9 p.m. ET on TNT

If this series seems tighter than the typical 2-7 matchup, that's because it is. While the standings may have shown a split that wide between the teams, advanced metrics viewed them much more closely bunched. While the Clippers finished second in net efficiency rating (plus-6.3 points per 100 possessions), the Mavericks were only four spots behind (plus-4.8).

It makes sense, too, when you think about it. L.A. might've entered the round with superior depth, but each club follows the lead of two stars: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for the Clippers; Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis for the Mavericks.

So far, the Mavs are getting the better of the star showdowns. Doncic leads the series in points (35.0) and assists (8.0), and Porzingis has been a much more efficient shooter (45.5/50.0/81.3) than George (35.9/28.6/100).

Dallas won't go down without a fight, and with Doncic at the helm, Rick Carlisle's club packs a mighty punch. Still, the Clippers might have the best roster in the NBA, and that could make the difference eventually.

Prediction: Clippers in six.

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Passing 1st NBA Playoff Test vs. L.A. Clippers

Aug 20, 2020
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) congratulates teammates at the end of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Dallas won 127-114. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) congratulates teammates at the end of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Dallas won 127-114. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

Knotting up their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers at one game apiece is no grounds for the Dallas Mavericks to take more than a momentary victory lap. Their work isn't done. There's much more series left to play and maybe, just maybe, another series after that.

Which is the entire point.

Dallas' regular-season ascendance has trickled over to the playoffs. It remains ahead of schedule, far more so than any team led by a sophomore, even this particular sophomore, should be. Perhaps more unbelievably, while Luka Doncic is the heart and soul of the Mavericks' meteoric trajectory, he is not sustaining it on his own.

Wednesday night's 127-114 victory over the Clippers did not belong only to him, though not for a lack of substance. After committing 11 turnovers in Game 1, he went on an under-control tear, notching 28 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including a 4-of-7 clip from distance, and seven assists while coughing up only one giveaway.

Doncic also added a spot in the record books for good measure:

His command of the game isn't surprising, not even for someone appearing in only his second NBA playoff tilt. The composure with which he plays might belie his age—he's only 21, by the way—but not his experience. He is no stranger to higher-stakes moments after his time with Real Madrid and the Slovenian national team.

Not that his performance isn't disarming. His half-court lilt is a sight to be hold, a string of off-the-dribble bursts that methodically ebb the deeper he drives. That change of pace scutters and confounds, and improved finishing through contact combined with freeze-frame hang times makes it difficult, verging on impossible, to keep him off the foul line (where he needs to shoot better than 8-of-12).

Oh, yeah, and there's the infinite range on his step-back three. And the passes he flings, to anywhere and everywhere, on collapsing defenses. 

That Doncic's first taste of the NBA's postseason is less baptism by fire and more business as usual aligns with most incoming expectations. Even as he and the Mavericks stumbled through crunch time during the regular season, the issue was never his fit for playoff basketball. 

It was whether he'd have enough help to prolong Dallas' stay.

And as it turns out, he might.

Seth Curry and a handful of other Mavs came up big in Game 2.
Seth Curry and a handful of other Mavs came up big in Game 2.

On Wendesday, Doncic received help from everywhere—from Kristaps Porzingis (23 points on 7-of-13 shooting) and Seth Curry (15 points on 6-of-9 shooting), from Tim Hardaway Jr. (17 points and three assists) and Trey Burke (16 points on 7-of-11 shooting). Even Boban Marjanovic pitched in, dropping 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting while logging just under 10 minutes.

When Doncic left the floor early in the fourth quarter after picking up his fifth foul, the Mavericks actually extended their lead behind timely shot-making from their trio of former Knicks. In the 20 minutes he didn't play, Dallas drilled five threes, generated 21 free throws and outscored the Clippers by two—a small edge that makes all the difference in the world when having to navigate superstar-less stretches against Paul George or Kawhi Leonard and sometimes both.

Surviving without Doncic is nothing new for the Mavericks. They outpaced opponents by 3.7 points per 100 possessions during the regular season when he wasn't in the game. But the playoffs are different. Buying your best player time on the bench is harder and sometimes not possible.

Plus, the primary concerns were never about Doncic-less stretches alone. It was more about the supporting cast in general. Does Dallas have enough shot creation to optimize his minutes on the floor? To tread water when he sits? And to endure crunch-time pushes?

Two games and a 1-1 record isn't enough to render a concrete verdict on the state of Doncic's running mates, which is forever better than expected thanks to head coach Rick Carlisle's own decision-making and, for the most part, common-sense lineups. At the same time, the Mavericks are very much working with two games worth of evidence.

Dallas lost Game 1 under a thick what-if cloud. It led Los Angeles by five points when Porzingis picked up his second technical early in the third quarter and was subsequently ejected. Who knows what would have happened if he hadn't gotten bounced? Maybe the Mavericks fend off the Clippers. Maybe they're working on a 2-0 series lead as Twitter melts down.

Hypotheticals never mean much. Just ask Carlisle:

Inarguably, the Clippers will be better. George won't go 4-of-17 from the floor, including 2-of-10 from three, every night. Nor will he find himself in such dire foul trouble early on. This all presumes his shoulder doesn't become a problem.

This is a tough matchup for Montrezl Harrell, but he will play his way into shape. Marcus Morris (probably) won't spend so much time trying to capitalize on could-be mismatches. It shouldn't be so hard to work through the minutes Doncic spends on the sidelines.

Patrick Beverley's left calf strain looms over this series and is beyond Los Angeles' control. He didn't look right in Game 1 and has dealt with this same injury before. The Clippers aren't as switch-ready on defense without him in the lineup.

They also aren't this seemingly hapless. Head coach Doc Rivers can help the team help itself.

Fewer minutes for the Reggie Jackson-Lou Williams tandem is a good place to start. They have to play without Beverley in the fold—and you can never bench Williams' shot creation entirely—but not at the same time.

More aggressively attacking Doncic should go a long way, too. If the Clippers aren't going to trap him like hell—they should consider it—then assigning him to George or Leonard before crunch time makes at least some sense. They should likewise try not dropping as much on Dallas' other top perimeter option, Curry. And this feels like a series in which more JaMychal Green should be an option, even if he's undersized relative the Mavericks' frontcourt combinations.

And yet, expecting the Clippers to just flip a switch and take over this series overstates their position. Their roster has seldom suited up at full strength. They're a work in progress—dominant on paper but still untested and unfamiliar. 

More than that, insofar as a switch exists, flipping it doesn't promise a much different result. The Mavericks aren't just happy to be here. Doncic isn't going it alone. The outcome of this series is not predetermined.

And the Clippers have officially been warned.

Unless otherwise noted, stats courtesy of NBA.com, Basketball Reference or Cleaning the Glass. Salary and cap-hold information via Basketball Insiders and Spotrac.

Dan Favale covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter (@danfavale), and listen to his Hardwood Knocks podcast, co-hosted by B/R's Adam Fromal.

Luka Doncic Leads Mavericks to Game 2 Win vs. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers

Aug 20, 2020
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic, right, passes as he is defended by Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic, right, passes as he is defended by Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

The 2019-20 Dallas Mavericks finally figured out a way to beat the Los Angeles Clippers.

After losing all three regular-season matchups, including a seeding game, and Game 1 of their postseason showdown, Dallas evened its Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 127-114 victory in Wednesday's Game 2 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Luka Doncic led the way in a balanced effort for the victors, helping counter an impressive showing from Kawhi Leonard on the other side. Six Mavericks finished in double figures as they maintained their lead even when Doncic dealt with foul trouble.

         

Notable Player Stats

  • Luka Doncic, G, DAL: 28 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST
  • Kristaps Porzingis, F, DAL: 23 PTS, 7 REB
  • Tim Hardaway Jr., G, DAL: 17 PTS
  • Trey Burke, G, DAL: 16 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL
  • Seth Curry, G, DAL: 15 PTS, 3 AST
  • Boban Marjanovic, C, DAL: 13 PTS, 9 REB
  • Kawhi Leonard, F, LAC: 35 PTS, 10 REB
  • Lou Williams, G, LAC: 23 PTS, 7 AST
  • Paul George, F, LAC: 14 PTS, 10 REB

              

Luka Continues to Shine, Bench Preserves Win

His team may eventually lose to the championship-contending Clippers, but the 21-year-old Doncic has already made his mark on the national stage.

The situation was stacked against him in Game 1 when he went to the locker room with an injury and struggled with turnovers as Patrick Beverley hounded him while Dallas fell behind by double digits in the opening stretch. All he did was engineer a comeback to take the lead that only fell apart after Kristaps Porzingis was ejected following a questionable second technical foul.

Doncic was still brilliant and finished with 42 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

He picked up right where he left off Wednesday and caught fire from three-point range, played through contact at the rim, battled on the boards and facilitated with head-turning vision whenever he drew additional defensive attention. Most importantly, he cut down on his turnovers (one) with Beverley sidelined by a calf injury.

It wasn't just his own production that stood out but also the way his mere presence tilted the defense and created space for Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Seth Curry and even Boban Marjanovic on the inside.

It appeared as if all that would go to waste, though, when Doncic picked up his fifth foul in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. But Trey Burke maintained full control of the offense during an impressive stretch off the bench.

Curry did the same when he came in for Burke, providing another ball-handler who could hit from the outside and glide into the lane while keeping the ball moving and Dallas' offense rolling.

By the time Doncic returned, the Mavericks were in full control and eventually evened the series.

             

Not Enough Help for Kawhi, Lou Williams

Sometimes playoff losses fall on the shoulders of the best player.

That was far from the case for the Clippers on Wednesday.

Leonard was his typical self, exploding to the rim for dunks, hitting contested mid-range shots and competing on the glass while guarding Doncic and others on the defensive side. Under normal circumstances, it likely would have been enough for L.A., but he didn't have sufficient help.

In fact, the entire starting lineup had two total assists in the first half.

Beverley was sidelined, but the biggest issue was Paul George. He was scoreless in the first half, air-balled a three-pointer in the third quarter and struggled with his shot throughout (4-of-17 from the field). While he eventually found the scoreboard and did what he could on the boards to make up for his struggles, it was not the type of performance one would expect from a six-time All-Star.

Lou Williams took over the role of No. 2 option by slashing into the lane, hitting from the outside and facilitating, but the lack of a usual showing from George left the Clippers fighting an uphill battle all game.

         

What's Next?

Game 3 of the series, when Dallas will technically be the home team, is Friday at 9 p.m. ET.

Luka Doncic Calls Historic 42-Point Playoff Debut 'Terrible' After 11 TOs, Loss

Aug 18, 2020
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) reacts after injuring himself against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) reacts after injuring himself against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)

Making history wasn't enough for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.

The second-year guard scored 42 points in a 118-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, the most ever for a player in an NBA postseason debut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFLOZq02fMM

However, he called his performance "terrible," citing his high turnover numbers.

"I should never had like 11 turnovers," Doncic said, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "That is 11 more possessions, imagine that. I think a lot of this game. I got to do way better than that."

The 2020 All-Star shouldn't be too hard on himself, though.

Since 1983-84, 12 players have turned the ball over 10 or more times in a postseason game, per Basketball Reference. Doncic joins a group that includes LeBron James, James Harden, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Magic Johnson.

He could certainly have worse company.

Kristaps Porzingis Ejection Gives NBA Playoffs Its First What-If Moment

Aug 18, 2020
Dallas Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis reacts to a call and receives a technical foul during the second quarter of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)
Dallas Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis reacts to a call and receives a technical foul during the second quarter of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)

There is plenty for us to reflect on following the Los Angeles Clippers' 118-110 Game 1 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.

Luka Doncic dropped 42 points and nine assists in his first NBA playoff game. And coughed up 11 turnovers. And left the game, briefly, in the first quarter after suffering a left ankle injury, leaving an entire fanbase—and viewership, really—in angsty lurch.

Dallas and Los Angeles also exchanged double-digit leads...in the opening frame. And Michael Kidd-Gilchrist hit two—two—three-pointers. And Kawhi Leonard exuded a particular command over the game, like only he can. And the Mavs caught fire from deep in the first half.

And Montrezl Harrell made his bubble debut. And Doc Rivers questioned the resolve of his team even after it allowed just 13 points in the third quarter only to then roll out a bonkers lineup—Harrell, Reggie Jackson, Patrick Beverley, Paul George, JaMychal Green—three minutes into the fourth.

Oh, and then there's the outcome itself. The game was close. The Mavs scrapped until crunch time. Maybe their role players can give Doncic more help down the stretch. Maybe Tim Hardaway Jr. spending so much time on PG13 isn't as ridiculous as it sounds. Maybe Luka will be less exhausted and banged up.

Maybe, just maybe, the Mavs can make this a series—not just a thrilling, good-job-good-effort five- or six-game attaboy but an actual series.

Game 1 could be about any number of things. And it is. But it is first and foremost about Kristaps Porzingis' ejection less than three minutes into the third quarter of his own playoff debut. And that is kind of, sort of, definitely awful.

The play on which Porzingis received his second tech didn't initially include him. Doncic and Marcus Morris Sr. got into a little post-whistle, ahem, entanglement following a drive by the former. Tensions escalated, slightly, which is when Porzingis entered the fold:

Upon further review, double technicals were assessed to Morris and Porzingis. This marked the second T of the game for the latter—his first came for an angry air-punch following a foul call he didn't like—so he was gone, with a little over nine minutes left in the third and Dallas leading Los Angeles by five:

Criticism for the referees was swift and unrelenting. LeBron James led the charge:

So, too, did Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki:

Kevin Love weighed in from outside the bubble:

Ditto for Spencer Dinwiddie:

Kansas City resident Patrick Mahomes didn't much like the officials' decision:

Even Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was against it:

The sentiment verged on consensus.

Why eject someone in a tightly contested playoff game? And not just someone but the Mavs' second-best player? For what amounted to less than a harmless kerfuffle?

Why let the outcome of a postseason tilt be even hypothetically impacted by a call, any call? Isn't it on the refs—in this case, Mark Ayotte, Eric Lewis and Kane Fitzgerald, who relayed the decision—to show some discretion? To be more in tune with what's at stake?

That Porzingis' first technical was so questionable didn't help matters. For one, he had a point:

More than that, his reaction to that first call was miles from egregious. Punching the air with no one in the vicinity is entirely innocuous.

Yes, it's still worth a technical by letter of the law. But the playoffs aren't a time for intransigent enforcement...are they? They should be more interpretative, more flexible, more committed to ensuring the basketball portion of the program shapes the outcome in full...shouldn't they? At the bare minimum, technicals are closer to last resorts than formulaic implementations...are they not?

The validity of Porzingis' two technicals is worth a discussion. And the idea that this game was decided by his absence is terrible. He was a minus-six and 3-of-9 from the floor but absolutely having an impact. If nothing else, he always represents one of Doncic's two best offensive outlets in the half court and his unequivocal best pick-and-roll partner, particularly when it meant getting Ivica Zubac to switch onto Dallas' point man.

On the flip side, Porzingis' first technical wasn't an issue at the time of his second. He knew he had one already. He has to be more self-aware in that situation. He's too important to his team.

And please, spare us from the "He was just protecting Doncic" slant. That's not untrue. He was getting involved on behalf of his teammate. But Doncic wasn't in any imminent danger. The face-off with Morris was never at risk of scaling into a brawl. He and Doncic gave each other all-good pats before play resumed.

This doesn't let the refs off the hook, even in a game that seemed suboptimally officiated. The Mavs had some no-calls to gripe about it. I'd also like to take this opportunity to note that it feels like big men are never officiated properly. They're supposed to take a beating and tolerate well-built human beings hanging on to their arms and shoulders because they're, well, big.

Still, Porzingis had to play under the circumstances of the moment. And in that moment, he already had one technical. And he knew, based on the questionable nature of the first one, this wasn't necessarily a game in which they'd let things go and that he couldn't count on a make-up non-whistle or the benefit of the doubt.

His motives as a teammate may have been pure. His judgment was off.

That happens. The throes of competition are intense. And again: That scuffle was essentially a non-scuffle. It didn't warrant the ax that was swung, and it definitely didn't deserve to become the billboard for this game.

What comes next is...everything else. There's basically an entire series left to play. And this moment, while pivotal to the game itself, cannot be seen as a turning point.

The Mavs made other mistakes. Doncic took ownership of his turnovers, and though overburdened on offense, he needs to provide more resistance on defense. Dallas enjoyed stretches of cold shooting from Los Angeles and questionable decision-making down the stretch by its role players, namely Beverley and Lou Williams.

This was a helluva game, enthralling and highly competitive almost despite itself. The Mavs were robbed of 15 to 20 minutes of All-Star play and, maybe, a victory. It's on to the next anyway. Harping is useless, even if it turns out the refs messed up. And to the Mavericks' credit, they didn't sound like a team that will wallow in this defeat, however unfair it seems.

Not that they have a choice.

            

Unless otherwise noted, stats courtesy of NBA.com, Basketball Reference or Cleaning the Glass and current heading into Wednesday's games. Salary and cap-hold information via Basketball Insiders, Early Bird Rights and Spotrac.

Dan Favale covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter (@danfavale), and listen to his Hardwood Knocks podcast, co-hosted by B/R's Adam Fromal.

Paul George Praises Luka Doncic After Historic Playoff Debut: 'He's the Future'

Aug 18, 2020
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) works the floor against Los Angeles Clippers' Paul George (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) works the floor against Los Angeles Clippers' Paul George (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

Luka Doncic is 21 years old and just dropped 42 points in a playoff game against two of the best two-way players in the league in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

He turned plenty of heads even though his Dallas Mavericks lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 118-110 Monday. George certainly noticed, calling Doncic the "future" during an interview with ESPN after the game:

Doncic started off slow as the Clippers scored 18 of the game's first 20 points, and he even went to the locker room with an apparent leg injury. However, he returned, battled through some turnover issues in the early going and spearheaded a comeback.

Dallas was up by double digits in the second quarter largely because of Doncic's ability to adjust to the Clippers' pressure and find openings for himself and teammates. The Mavericks were still up by five in the third quarter with him leading the way until Kristaps Porzingis was ejected for picking up a second technical foul on a questionable call.

The game turned from there, and Leonard (29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals) and George (27 points) led the Clippers to victory.

George's three-pointer in the final minute that pushed the lead to eight was a serious blow to Dallas' comeback efforts, but Doncic was still impressive throughout.

He will have an opportunity to pull his Mavericks even in the series in Wednesday's Game 2.

Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Hold off Luka Doncic, Mavs After Porzingis Ejection

Aug 17, 2020
Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward JaMychal Green (4) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kim Klement/Pool Photo via AP)
Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward JaMychal Green (4) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kim Klement/Pool Photo via AP)

Kawhi Leonard took the first step toward a championship with a third different franchise.

Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers took a 1-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks with a 118-110 victory in Monday's Game 1 at Walt Disney World Resort.

It was more of the same for the Clippers considering they swept the Mavericks in three regular-season matchups, one of which happened during the seeding games in the bubble.

Leonard and Paul George made sure that dominance continued with impressive showings, while Luka Doncic led the way in defeat for Dallas after Kristaps Porzingis was ejected in the third quarter.

         

Notable Player Stats

  • Kawhi Leonard, F, LAC: 29 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 11-of-21 FG
  • Paul George, F, LAC: 27 PTS, 3 AST, 2 STL, 10-of-22 FG, 4-of-11 3PT
  • Marcus Morris Sr., F, LAC: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 4 STL, 8-of-13 FG, 3-of-6 3PT
  • Luka Doncic, G, DAL: 42 PTS, 9 AST, 7 REB, 3 STL, 11 TO, 13-of-21 FG, 2-of-6 3PT
  • Kristaps Porzingis, F, DAL: 14 PTS, 6 REB
  • Tim Hardaway Jr., G, DAL: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 7-of-16 FG, 4-of-11 3PT

            

Mavericks' Resilient Comeback Effort Cut Short by Stunning Call

Dallas couldn't have scripted a worse start to the playoffs.

The Clippers scored the opening 10 points of the game and 18 of the first 20. Doncic turned it over five times in the opening quarter with Patrick Beverley hounding him and then went to the locker room with an apparent leg injury.

It would have been easy for the Mavericks to go through the motions and assume defeat from there against the powerhouse Clippers, but Doncic returned and the team caught fire on the way to a double-digit lead by the second quarter.

It was Doncic doing most of the work by adjusting and reading L.A.'s aggressive defense, patiently attacking openings, hitting Seth Curry and other shooters for outside looks and forcing Beverley into foul trouble.

Dallas absorbed every Clippers blow and still had plenty of momentum with a five-point lead in the third quarter when Porzingis was ejected for picking up a second technical foul. It was a questionable call at best, as Marcus Morris Sr. grabbed Doncic and was jawing with him before Porzingis came over and gave a slight shove while protecting his team's best player.

The whistle drew resounding criticism, including a reaction from LeBron James:

Having no Porzingis on the floor made it easier for the Clippers to focus more defensive attention on Doncic, although Dallas deserves credit for fighting into the fourth quarter.

If there is any silver lining for the Mavericks, it is the fact that they were right there with the championship contender before the ejection and will have an opportunity to draw even in Game 2, but it is still surely a difficult loss to swallow.

           

Kawhi Leads Balanced Clippers Attack

Nobody on the Clippers roster understands how to navigate the grind of a championship run better than Leonard, who is coming off a title with the Toronto Raptors and won another with the San Antonio Spurs.

There will be times when the Clippers need him to take over for extended stretches, but he was part of a balanced effort in the team's first playoff game.

He did a little bit of everything by attacking the lane, facilitating when defenders collapsed on him and setting the tone on defense for a group that forced 21 turnovers, but George, Morris, Lou Williams and Ivica Zubac all chipped in as well.

Zubac notched a double-double while battling inside as Montrezl Harrell worked his way back into the lineup, Williams provided a spark off the bench with multiple three-pointers and George fought through some early shooting struggles to provide timely scoring for the victors.

George's three with less than a minute remaining essentially ended Dallas' realistic comeback hopes.

The Clippers are arguably the deepest team in the league, and they showed off some of their depth in a game that was largely overshadowed by the officiating.

           

What's Next?

Game 2 of the series is Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.

Kristaps Porzingis Ejected from Mavericks vs. Clippers After 2nd Technical Foul

Aug 17, 2020
Dallas Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis (6) leaves the court after being ejected from Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)
Dallas Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis (6) leaves the court after being ejected from Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)

Kristaps Porzingis' night ended early after the Dallas Mavericks star was ejected in the third quarter of Monday's NBA playoffs matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The referees assessed Porzingis with his second technical foul after he stepped between teammate Luka Doncic and Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr.

Some of Porzingis' NBA colleagues were disappointed with the referee's ruling:

During a sideline interview with ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers also said he "hate[s] that," in reference to the call.

Following his team's 118-110 defeat, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle called the ejection "unfortunate":

Porzingis told reporters after the game that he didn't believe he should have been ejected, though he understood the call:

The general frustration was magnified because Porzingis' first technical resulted from him arguing with the refs after being whistled for a shooting foul on Paul George.

ESPN officiating expert Steve Javie defended the decision to eject the 2018 All-Star:

Crew chief Kane Fitzgerald explained the technicals after the game, noting Porzingis was assessed the second technical for "being an escalator to the altercation": 

Others, however, will counter that Porzingis did little to ultimately escalate the situation and was merely coming to his teammate's defense. And while the fans might not be in the arena, the emotions are running high among the players given this is a postseason game.

Porzingis' departure had an almost immediate impact on the game.

The Mavericks led 71-66 when he headed for the locker room with 9:10 left in the third. By the time the quarter ended, the Clippers overturned their deficit to go ahead 87-82.

NBA Playoff Bracket 2020: Full Review of Postseason Picture, Matchups and Odds

Aug 17, 2020
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot over Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kim Klement/Pool Photo via AP)
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot over Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kim Klement/Pool Photo via AP)

The first round of the NBA playoffs may not match the high level of excitement we saw during the two weeks of seeding games in the bubble in Orlando, Florida, but there is intrigue surrounding a few series.

The four Western Conference matchups appear to be more even as a group compared to the Eastern Conference.

Both Los Angeles teams face more strenuous tasks than their counterparts in the East since they have to go up against two of the best scorers in the league.

Milwaukee and Toronto are expected to cruise through their respective first-round series, and that is shown in the disparity in the Game 1 and series odds.

The matchups pitting teams closer in the standings should produce the most competitive first-round series, and once more teams are sent home, the clashes will carry more interest across the board.

                    

NBA Postseason Picture

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Milwaukee vs. No. 8 Orlando

Series Odds: Milwaukee (-15000); Orlando (+3000)

Game 1 Odds: Milwaukee (-11.5); Over/Under 224

Milwaukee struggled to find consistency during a 3-5 run in the seeding games, but that should not be cause for concern, at least for the first-round series.

The Bucks won each of their four meetings with the Orlando Magic, with three of them coming by double digits.

If there is a pathway to an Orlando victory or two, it will be through stopping Milwaukee's three-point prowess.

Mike Budenholzer's team did not shoot over 40 percent from beyond the arc in any win over the Magic despite attempting at least 35 three-point shots.

Even if Milwaukee struggles from deep, it could still find success against an Orlando side that conceded an average of 116 points per game in the seeding games.

Orlando could have trouble matching the Bucks' output, as it only scored over 110 points on four occasions, with one of those coming in an overtime matchup.

               

No. 2 Toronto vs. No. 7 Brooklyn

Series Odds: Toronto (-5000); Brooklyn (+1500)

Game 1 Odds: Toronto (-9.5); Over/Under: 221.5

Toronto was the best East team over the last two weeks, and its title defense should begin with a fairly easy win over Brooklyn.

But the Nets could give the Raptors trouble in parts of games, or by stealing one win, since they showed so much fight with a depleted roster.

With Tyler Johnson, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and other unlikely stars adding to the scoring mix that includes Joe Harris and Jarrett Allen, the Nets reached 115 points on seven occasions.

That production would lead you to believe the Game 1 over is an easy bet, but Toronto held three opponents under triple digits and have only let two foes hit 120 points since the return of play.

Given Toronto's title-winning experience and depth throughout the roster, it shouldn't face much of a challenge in a series that likely won't last longer than five games.

               

No. 3 Boston vs. No. 6 Philadelphia

Series Odds: Boston (-400); Philadelphia (+330)

Game 1 Odds: Boston (-5.5); Over/Under: 218.5

Philadelphia holds the head-to-head advantage over Boston this season, but that is the only edge you can give Brett Brown's team going into the first round. 

The Sixers will be without Ben Simmons and have not developed a consistent third scorer behind Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. 

Josh Richardson, Shake Milton and Al Horford showed well in spurts, but it was not enough to convince you that the team can overwhelm the Celtics. 

With Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker now at full strength, the Celtics have enough offensive options to spread Philadelphia thin on defense. 

If that combination of players finds a way to limit Harris' opportunities and frustrate Embiid on occasion, Brad Stevens' squad could have an easy path to a potential semifinal clash with Toronto.

             

No. 4 Indiana vs. No. 5 Miami

Series Odds: Indiana (+260); Miami (-310)

Game 1 Odds: Miami (-3.5); Over/Under: 216

If an underdog in the eyes of the oddsmakers advances from the East first round, it will be Indiana.

T.J. Warren was the breakout star of the seeding games, and if he can shake Jimmy Butler's defense, he could provide Victor Oladipo and Malcolm Brogdon with the necessary support to overwhelm the Heat.

But even if the Pacers break Butler's defensive deadlock, it could be difficult for them to stop the Heat's scoring depth.

In Miami's 114-92 win over Indiana a week ago, it had seven players, including all five starters, reach double digits. Indiana did not have a player eclipse 15 points.

If Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Herro remain consistent off the bench to support Butler, Bam Adebayo and the starters, Miami could make quick work of the Pacers.

Miami's X-factor may be Andre Iguodala, whose veteran presence on both sides of the hardwood could help the Heat win some key possessions.

                  

Western Conference

No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Portland

Series Odds: Los Angeles Lakers (-550); Portland (+425)

Game 1 Odds: Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5); Over/Under: 229.5

Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are the darlings of the bubble after their conquering of the field for the West's No. 8 seed.

Lillard's shooting has been off the charts and his team has added scoring depth from Gary Trent Jr., Carmelo Anthony and Jusuf Nurkic. 

Even if Portland plays a perfect offensive game, though, it may still come out on the losing end against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers scored 136 and 128 points in their two regular-season wins over Portland, and the Blazers allowed over 120 points in seven of their last nine games.

If LeBron James and Anthony Davis exploit Portland's defensive weaknesses, the series could be over fast.

However, the one guarantee you could make about the series is most games will likely hit the over because Portland has struggled defensively.

                  

No. 2 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 7 Dallas

Series Odds: Los Angeles Clippers (-450); Dallas (+375)

Game 1 Odds: Los Angeles Clippers (-6); Over/Under: 230.5

The Clippers appear to be the most susceptible No. 1 or No. 2 seed to an upset, but even saying that feels like a stretch.

Betting on Luka Doncic to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a first-round series victory is a wishful thought, as he has not done enough against the Clippers to prove that is possible.

The 21-year-old produced 29 points in their August 6 meeting, but he was held to 10-for-21 from the field and only made six trips to the free-throw line.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George shot at a similar percentage in that game, but they received more support down low from Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac, who combined for 37 points and 20 rebounds.

If Zubac and Morris can negate Kristaps Porzingis' impact, the Clippers can absorb whatever Doncic throws at them.

Just like the Lakers-Blazers series, the Clippers-Mavericks matchup could be set for high offensive outputs, which may make the overs the best bets.

              

No. 3 Denver vs. No. 6 Utah

Series Odds: Denver (-200); Utah (+160)

Game 1 Odds: Denver (-4.5); Over/Under: 215.5

The first series to kick off Monday may have the most potential to go the distance.

The Denver-Utah series also possesses one of the best individual battles of the first round between Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert.

In the August 8 double-overtime matchup, they both recorded double-doubles and the Denver big man was three assists away from a triple-double.

Both teams have lead guards in Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray who are capable of taking over the game, and they have shooters in Joe Ingles and Michael Porter Jr. who can get hot in an instant.

Denver's Jerami Grant and Monte Morris and Utah's Jordan Clarkson are difference-makers off the bench and may be vital to any surge triggered by the second unit.

Each of the three regular-season meetings were decided by six points or less, so at minimum, we should see a handful of close contests.

                 

No. 4 Houston vs. No. 5 Oklahoma City

Series Odds: Houston (-175); Oklahoma City (+155)

Game 1 Odds: Oklahoma City (-1.5); Over/Under: 227

The No. 4 vs. No. 5 showdown in the West will be without one key figure for at least Game 1. Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni confirmed Russell Westbrook is out for Game 1, per Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.

Houston is 8-7 in games in which the 31-year-old did not participate due to rest or injury. It went 2-2 without him in the bubble.

The good news for Houston is Eric Gordon returned to the lineup at the end of the seeding games and will replace Westbrook in the starting five. If he supports James Harden in the scoring column, Houston should be able to weather the storm without their star point guard.

As long as Houston's guards score at a high level, it will be in the mix to win every game.

Houston's difference-maker could be its defense on Steven Adams, who has 21 points in 51 minutes against the Rockets this season.

               

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Odds via Caesars Sportsbook and Vegas Insider. Statistics obtained from Basketball Reference.

The NBA playoffs tend to feel more complicated than the regular season. There's an increased premium on scouting and team tendencies in series that pit the same two teams against one another for several games in a row...
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