Clippers' X-factor vs. Mavericks in 2024 NBA Playoffs, and it's not Russell Westbrook

It's almost time for the Los Angeles Clippers to take on the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the NBA playoffs for the third time in five years. Among all first-round matchups (and potential ones, seeing as the play-in tournament is yet to begin), the Clippers and the Mavs' stand out as the most exciting, due to the history and evenly-matched rosters the two teams have. Many are banking on Luka Doncic and the Mavericks to finally get one over the Clippers' heads. Kawhi Leonard's current injury status has made the Clippers the underdogs in the series, with some pundits even going as far as to totally discredit LA's chances to halt the Mavs' playoff dreams in the postseason's early goings.