Clippers at Mavericks
THE STORY: The Los Angeles Clippers can finish off an outstanding road trip with a victory against Dallas on Monday. The only blemish on the six-game swing was a tough-to-explain loss in Cleveland that came with Cavaliers rookie point guard Kyrie Irving on the bench with a concussion. The Mavericks' last nine games have featured three straight wins, three losses in a row and victories in their last three games. Dallas is 9-4 since Jan. 19.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Clippers), FS Southwest (Mavericks)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (17-8): Los Angeles began the trip with wins in Washington and Orlando, and followed the loss with victories over Philadelphia and Charlotte. While Blake Griffin and Chris Paul get most of the attention, strong defense has been the key to this trip. Los Angeles has allowed 89 points per game and has given up less than 87 three times. The Clippers are 7-5 on the road this season.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (17-11): It was good news when Dallas was able to pull out a 97-94 victory over Portland in double overtime on Saturday. The Mavericks, however, could pay a price. The minutes played piled up for several key veterans, including Dirk Nowitzki (44), Jason Terry (42), Shawn Marion (40) and Brendan Haywood (38). Dallas coach Rick Carlisle will have to dip into his bench, which probably isn't a good thing against Clippers, who will push the ball at every opportunity.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Paul was sidelined with a strained left hamstring when the Clippers defeated the Mavericks 91-89 on Jan. 18 at the Staples Center.
2. Los Angeles has won two of three since Chauncey Billups sustained his season-ending Achilles injury. Randy Foye has taken over at starting shooting guard. He is averaging 12.3 points and is shooting 43.7 percent since the injury.
3. Delonte West scored 10 points Saturday, including the Mavericks' first six in the second overtime.