Basketball rivalries usually follow a script. You have the historic ones like Lakers-Celtics, or the "little brother" stories where one team finally overcomes a bully. But the Dallas Mavs vs Clippers matchup is just weird. It’s a rivalry built on high-octane scoring, deep-seated playoff scars, and, lately, a bizarre list of injuries that makes it hard to know who’s actually going to show up on the court.
If you’ve watched these two teams over the last five years, you know the feeling. It’s personal. It’s Luka Dončić dropping 40 while staring down the entire Clippers bench. It’s Kawhi Leonard turning into a literal cyborg to erase a Dallas lead.
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But as we sit here in early 2026, the vibe has shifted. It’s not just about the superstars anymore. It’s about who can survive the season.
The Cooper Flagg Factor and the New Look Mavs
Most people didn't expect the Mavericks to be in this position. After a shaky start to the 2025-26 season, sitting at 14-24, the team has been forced to lean on youth in ways nobody predicted. Enter Cooper Flagg.
Honestly, the rookie has been a revelation. In their November 29 meeting, Flagg went off for 35 points and 8 rebounds. It wasn't just the scoring; it was the way he hunted his shot when the veterans were sidelined. While Luka is still the sun that everything in Dallas orbits, Flagg has become a necessary secondary star because, frankly, the Mavs are a walking hospital wing right now.
Think about this: on November 29, 2025, the Mavericks actually beat the Clippers 114-110 without Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, or Klay Thompson. That’s insane. Klay has been dealing with knee management, and Kyrie is still recovering from a major ACL procedure back in March. Even P.J. Washington, who’s been a rock for them, had a freak accident during a shootaround where he twisted his ankle on a loose ball.
You can't make this stuff up. The Dallas Mavs vs Clippers games lately have been less about "who is better" and more about "who has five healthy bodies to put on the hardwood."
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Why the Clippers Still Give Dallas Nightmares
Despite the Mavs getting that narrow win in late 2025, the Clippers have largely had their number over the long haul. James Harden is still doing Harden things. In a November 14 double-overtime thriller, Harden dropped 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists to lead the Clippers to a 133-127 victory. That was his 82nd career triple-double. Love him or hate him, the man knows how to dismantle a defense when the stakes are high.
Then you have Ivica Zubac. People constantly overlook Zubac, but in that same 2OT game, he put up 27 points and 11 rebounds. He’s the physical wall that Dallas has struggled to climb over for years.
The Clippers' resilience is kinda their brand now. They represent this gritty, "next man up" mentality that resonates with L.A.’s diverse fan base. They’ve often been seen as the underdog in their own city, but against Dallas, they often play like the alpha.
The Playoff History is a Bloodbath
We have to talk about the postseason because that’s where this Dallas Mavs vs Clippers beef was cooked.
- 2020 Bubble: Luka’s first playoff series. He averaged 31/10/9. He hit that buzzer-beater. But the Clippers took the series in six.
- 2021: The Mavs went up 2-0. They looked like they had it. Then Kawhi happened. The Clippers won in seven.
- 2024: Dallas finally got their revenge, winning 4-2 on their way to the Finals.
Luka has played 19 playoff games against the Clippers. His average? A staggering 32.4 points, 9.5 assists, and 8.8 rebounds. He has more losses against the Clippers (19) than any other opponent in his career. It’s the ultimate "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario.
The Reality of the 2026 Season
If you look at the standings right now, both teams are struggling to find air. The Western Conference is a meat grinder. The Thunder and Spurs are running away with the top spots, leaving teams like the Mavs and Clippers fighting for play-in relevance.
Injuries have absolutely decimated the rosters. As of mid-January 2026, the injury reports are a mile long.
The Clippers are missing Bradley Beal (hip fracture) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring). Kawhi is perpetually "questionable" with ankle sprains. Meanwhile, the Mavs are missing almost their entire starting frontcourt at times. Anthony Davis, who Dallas brought in to be that missing piece, has been in and out of the lineup with calf issues.
It’s frustrating for fans. You want to see the best vs the best. Instead, we’re seeing Naji Marshall and Ryan Nembhard trying to carry the load. To their credit, Naji had 28 points in that 2OT game in November. He’s stepped up. But it’s not the same as a healthy Kyrie vs a healthy Kawhi.
What to Watch for in the Next Matchup
When these two teams meet again, don't look at the star names first. Look at the "Four Factors":
- Rebounding: The Clippers usually win when Zubac dominates the glass. If Dallas is missing Lively II and Gafford, they get killed in the paint.
- The Flagg/Luka Dynamic: Can the rookie continue to find his shots when Luka is being doubled?
- Turnovers: In their recent losses, Dallas has been plagued by turnovers—sometimes 15+ a game. Luka leading the league in usage rate is a double-edged sword.
- The Harden Factor: If Harden gets to the line 10+ times, it’s usually curtains for Dallas.
Basically, the Dallas Mavs vs Clippers rivalry has evolved. It’s no longer just a tactical chess match between coaches; it’s a war of attrition.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following this rivalry closely, keep these specific points in mind:
- Monitor the "Injury Management" News: Don't place any bets or make fantasy moves until 30 minutes before tip-off. Both teams are notorious for late scratches in 2026, especially on back-to-backs.
- Watch the Center Rotation: If Dallas is starting Moussa Cissé or Dwight Powell due to injuries to Davis and Lively, expect the Clippers to attack the rim relentlessly.
- The "Under" is Often Safer: With so many scorers like Kyrie and Klay sidelined, these games are becoming defensive grinds rather than the 140-point explosions we saw in 2021.
- Cooper Flagg's Prop Bets: Keep an eye on his points + rebounds + assists totals. His role has expanded significantly with the guard depth decimated, making him a high-volume option.
This rivalry isn't going anywhere. Even with the injuries and the standings being what they are, there's too much history here for it to be "just another game." Every time Luka steps on the court against a team wearing a Clippers jersey, expect fireworks—even if he’s doing it with a roster full of G-Leaguers and rookies.