The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Dallas Mavericks in game five of this Western Conference series from Crypto.com Arena, on Wednesday night. These two have split the first two mini-series on each other’s courts, with the Clippers winning on the road the last time out. In the regular season, Los Angeles dominated this series, but the playoffs have showcased Dallas’ success slightly more. Regardless, both teams know the importance of this one, with the series potentially balancing on how it goes.

Mavericks Back On The Road

Dallas heads back on the road for game five, knowing they wasted a great opportunity the last time out. With a 2-1 series lead and sitting at home, the Mavericks weren’t able to complete the two-game sweep at home, allowing the Clippers to even things up at 2-2. Dallas found themselves in a similar situation to game one, down 31 before halftime and having to work their way back. While they were able to come back, they simply didn’t have the energy left to finish the job, as they now hit the road with a massive opportunity in front of them. With momentum working in LA’s favor, Dallas will have to lean heavily on the form that had them skyrocketing up the standings the last six weeks of the season.

As if going on the road wasn’t hard enough, Dallas also has a few injuries that they’ll be monitoring. All eyes are on Luka Doncic, who continues to battle through a knee injury. While probable for this one, it’ll be interesting to see how effective this star might be. Adding in Tim Hardaway Jr. being questionable, could leave Dallas without two key scoring options.

The Mavericks have led with their offense all season long and there remains little doubt that they’ll need that in this one. Their three-point shooting has been their namesake this season and if they want to win on the road, they’ll have to win the three-point battle. Kyrie Irving has played well of late but a hobbled Doncic could give them trouble again in this one. The key will be avoiding a cold start, as the two losses have shown too little too late, for this group. A great first quarter could set the tone towards victory but another rough start is more likely to spell trouble, especially on the road.

Clippers Riding High In Return Home

After going down 2-1 in the series, the Clippers felt all the pressure heading into game four. A loss would nearly seal their fate and while they almost gave up a massive lead, they now get to return home with the momentum. A win on Wednesday would give them a leg up in the series and even despite an up-and-down record at home this season, will be liking their chances in this one. The concern for the Clippers has been much like their opponent, where if they don’t come out hot, it’s a challenge to find success. A quick start on both ends could prove to be the difference in this one.

Also like their opponent, the Clippers have been dealing with injuries too. Kawhi Leonard is the cornerstone of this concern, as it has been ruled out for this one. Despite playing in game three, the setbacks have continued, as Los Angeles expects to be without their best player on both ends.

This series has had the tone set by solid starts on the offensive ends and with that again at home, the Clippers can find another win. They will want to find their way towards a full four quarters of solid basketball though, as even the potential blowouts have seen allow Dallas right back into things. Being with Leonard will continue to be a challenge, especially as it puts even more pressure on the duo of James Harden and Paul George. Both can be streaky at times, as Los Angeles will also have some depth to lean on at home too.