The Clippers have stepped on the gas lately, going 12-3 straight up and against the spread, and have played themselves into a position just a half game out of the playoffs, behind three other teams. They’ve been doing it with defense, surrendering just 106 ppg in those games. They have been able to exploit bad defenses, and that describes Dallas to a T since the Luka trade. The Mavs will also be without starting C Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis is Questionable. The Clips heater continues tonight.