Los Angeles @ Dallas preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 20, 2018 ) Dallas 121, L.A. Clippers 125

The Los Angeles Clippers ended a five-game slide to open their four-game road trip and look to carry the momentum into Tuesday's contest against the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles won for just the fourth time in 11 games with Sunday's 103-95 victory at San Antonio.

The Clippers lost by 18 or more points three times during their five-game skid, but the effort was much better on Sunday as they forced the Spurs into 18 turnovers. "The energy was great," Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "Every single guy that came in gave us a lift." The Mavericks have lost four straight games and 15 of their last 20 after falling 116-106 in Milwaukee on Monday, even though rookie Luka Doncic posted his first career triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. "I didn't play good at all," Doncic told reporters afterward of his 6-of-17 shooting performance. "I missed some shots that I shouldn't miss."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (25-21): Tobias Harris flirted with a triple-double against the Spurs, registering 27 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, but was more interested in talking about the team's performance than his impressive stats. "This is one of the most satisfying wins for us," Harris told reporters. "We knew it was a collective effort from everyone." Los Angeles had five players score in double digits while playing without stellar sixth man Lou Williams (hamstring), who could miss his third straight game on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (20-26): Disgruntled point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is slated to rejoin the team Tuesday after a six-game absence tied to his unhappiness that his role is different this season due to the emergence of Doncic. Coach Rick Carlisle said he and Smith "spoke at length" on Sunday, and that Smith "is feeling better and plans to resume workouts in preparation for his return." The 21-year-old Smith is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds this campaign after posting 15.2, 5.2 and 3.8 as a rookie last season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split this season's first two meetings, but the Clippers have won 10 of the last 16 matchups.

2. Los Angeles F Danilo Gallinari (back) did not accompany the team on its three-game trip after being injured during Friday's contest against Golden State.

3. Dallas SF Harrison Barnes is just 14-of-48 shooting over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Clippers 112, Mavericks 107