The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on Monday.

The Mavericks (26-33) are looking forward to next season, as they have formed one of the most dangerous young cores in the league. Not only has Luka Doncic transformed into a superstar in his first season, but Dallas also made the brash move of acquiring Kristaps Porzingis at the trade deadline. While that conceded any hopes this season, it did open things up for the future. The Mavericks had to ship off numerous pieces in that trade and this roster is looking very shallow considering Doncic is dealing with an ankle issue of his own. The fact that this season doesn't matter much anymore probably means they'll limit Doncic from here on out, as they have their eye on next year. In Doncic's absence, players like Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson have been asked to take on a much bigger load. That's not exactly a dangerous duo but getting these players ready to become valuable role players is what's key for the future.

The Clippers (33-28) suffered a nightmarish defeat on Sunday, as they went into Denver and took a 27-point beatdown at the hands of the Nuggets. That's something a lot of teams have dealt with this season but it's discouraging to see such a lopsided defeat from a team battling for a playoff berth. Los Angeles is just one game up on the Sacramento Kings in ninth and three games up on the Los Angeles Lakers in 10th. Many people expect either the Lakers or Kings to catch them, especially considering the fact that the Clippers shipped of Tobias Harris at the trade deadline. That's 20 points and 10 rebounds that can't be made up and one has to wonder why they would do that. Tanking has become commonplace throughout the league but it's bizarre to see a team do that when they're already in playoff contention. In any case, Los Angeles is still holding that eight-seed and they'll be a team to watch over the final two months.

This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams this season, with Dallas winning two of three. In fact, the home team has won all three fixtures thus far. The home team has actually won the last eight games in this series dating back three years.