In two crucial NBA playoff matchups on Friday, the LA Clippers and the Orlando Magic find themselves on the brink of elimination. The Clippers collide with the Dallas Mavericks, while the Magic take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, with both games poised to be thrilling encounters.

The Dallas Mavericks, seeking redemption after being eliminated by the Clippers in 2021, are determined to close out the first-round series on their home court. The LA Clippers, on the other hand, are aiming to extend the series to a decisive Game 7. This clash is set to tip-off at 9:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

In the earlier game, the Orlando Magic will face the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. ET, also airing on ESPN. The Cavaliers currently hold a 3-2 lead in the series, but the Magic are favored to win and force a Game 7.

Looking closer at the best bets for the night, there are a few standout performers to watch out for. Firstly, Derrick Jones Jr. has been consistently contributing to the Clippers' success, surpassing 14.5 points and rebounds in three of his last four appearances. Additionally, Ivica Zubac of the Clippers has been a reliable scorer, reaching 13 or more points in every game of the series.

Meanwhile, Darius Garland of the Cavaliers has struggled to consistently score over 17.5 points, achieving this feat in just one of his previous five games. The Magic will hope to exploit this inconsistency to slow down the Cavaliers' offensive threat.

In terms of injury updates, fans can rely on Rotowire.com for the latest updates. Additionally, the Basketball Power Index (BPI) by ESPN Analytics is projecting the Mavericks to have a 74% chance of victory, with a BPI rating of 7.7. For the game between the Cavaliers and the Magic, the BPI places Cleveland as slight favorites, with a 53% chance of winning.

In the Eastern Conference clash, the Magic hold home-court advantage at the Amway Center in Orlando, with a 3.5-point spread in their favor. The projected total points for the game stands at 200.5.

Later in the evening, the focus will shift to the Western Conference battle between the Clippers and the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mavericks are expected to dominate with a 7.5-point lead, aiming for a total of 208.5 combined points.

As the clock ticks down and the pressure mounts, NBA fans can look forward to an exciting night of hoops action. The fate of the Clippers, Mavericks, Magic, and Cavaliers will be decided on Friday, with each team eager to claim victory and advance in the playoffs.