The reeling Dallas Mavericks will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, the third meeting between the two teams this season. Dallas, 0-2 in the head-to-head count, will try to overcome injuries to key players to pull off an upset. The Mavs hope to end an eight-game losing slump and prevent the Lakers from securing the season series.
Meanwhile, the Lakers look to unload their frustrations on the struggling Mavericks. LA will host Dallas after back-to-back losses to the OKC Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Luka Doncic will not face his former team for the first time since he was traded to LA due to a hamstring issue.
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds
Moneyline: Mavericks (+235) vs. Lakers (-290)
Odds: Mavericks (+7.5 -115) vs. Lakers (-7.5 -105)
Total (O/U): Mavericks (o232. 5 -109) vs. Lakers (u232.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report
The biggest name on the Mavericks’ lengthy injury report is rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, who is out due to a left midfoot sprain. Kyrie Irving (injury recovery) and Dereck Lively II (injury recovery) remain on the inactive list.
Caleb Martin (ankle) and Naji Marshall (foot) are questionable. Moussa Cisse, Kelly Miles and Ryan Nembhard are on G League assignments, making them unlikely to play.
Luka Doncic will miss his fourth straight game due to a mild hamstring injury. Deandre Ayton (knee), who sat out the Spurs game, has been upgraded to questionable.
Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Prediction
Preview
The already hobbled Mavericks lost Cooper Flagg, their best player, to an injury. Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin, key contributors, are questionable. Whoever is on the active list must step up to give the Mavs a glimmer of hope of pulling off an upset.
Klay Thompson, Khris Middleton, Tyus Jones, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford and Max Christie have to play well.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will enjoy the return of LeBron James and Austin Reaves, who were rested on the second night of a back-to-back on Tuesday. With both available, LA coach JJ Redick arguably has the two best players on the floor for the Mavs encounter.
Los Angeles can’t fall to the level of its injury-ravaged opponent. After the humiliating loss to the Spurs, the Lakers avoid complacency and execute with a sense of urgency.
Prediction
The Dallas Mavericks don’t have the firepower to keep the Los Angeles Lakers from blowing them off the court. LA should be raring to bounce back after getting humiliated by Victor Wembanyama and Co. two nights ago. Expect the home team to coast to a win that easily beats the -7.5 spread.
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