The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers are tied 2-2 ahead of their critical Game 5 in the Western Conference playoff series.

Game 5 is scheduled for May 1, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

The winning team will advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.

Kawhi Leonard is absent for the Clippers, who have engaged in psychological warfare by displaying a taunting ad outside the arena.

The Mavericks are currently the favorites to win Game 5, increasing the stakes for the Clippers in a potential Game 6.

The Clippers must win both the upcoming Game 5 and Game 6 on Friday to progress, should they lose Game 5.

This series is the last to be decided in the Western Conference, with the Lakers, Suns, and Pelicans already knocked out.

SportsLine offers detailed picks and predictions, while CBS Sports provides daily picks throughout the playoffs.