The LA Lakers will face the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday, the third stop of a punishing eight-game road trip. Luka Doncic makes his second return to a city where he remains a fan favorite nearly a year after the Mavs traded him to LA for Anthony Davis. Austin Reaves, out with a calf injury, remains sidelined for the visiting team.
Meanwhile, the hobbled hosts have four players on the inactive list, including Davis. They will also be without Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot) and Kyrie Irving (injury recovery). Despite the injury-plagued roster, the home team looks to earn its season-high fifth straight victory.
Lakers vs Mavericks Odds
Moneyline: LA (-175) vs. Dallas (+145)
Odds: LA (-3.5 -112) vs. Dallas (+3.5 -108
Total (O/U): LA (o232.5 -110) vs. Dallas (u232.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Lakers vs Mavericks Preview and Prediction
Preview
Luka Doncic cried when the Mavs gave him a video tribute in his first return to Dallas last year. This time, he will not get the same treatment, but he remains determined as ever to lead LA to a win.
Doncic has been playing well this season. He will likely have another big game against his former team, but he needs his teammates to help him walk away from Dallas with a win.
The Mavs’ offense has been on fire during their four-game winning run. Averaging 114.4 points per game this season, they are putting up 129.5 during their unbeaten streak.
Against LA’s atrocious defense, ranked No. 25 in defensive rating, the Mavs could continue sizzling hot. Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford must continue helping Cooper Flagg carry the team.
Prediction
Luka Doncic doesn’t want to lose to his former team, making it likely for the Lakers to emerge as the winner. Still, an upset isn’t too far-fetched for the hosts who have been playing well. If Dallas loses, it will likely cover the +3.5 spread.
Lakers vs Mavericks Player Props
Doncic is the NBA’s leading scorer in January with 33.2 points per game. Over his last two games, he has put up 35.0 ppg. Expect the Mavs’ former franchise player to have another big scoring night and top his 32.5 (O/U) points prop.
LeBron James is another player who has been going off this month. The four-time MVP is averaging 25.5 ppg in January, making it likely he will breeze past this 22.5 (O/U) points prop.
Naji Marshall has been a revelation for Dallas. He has improved his 15.5 ppg last month to 18.5 ppg in January. The unheralded forward will likely cover his 16.5 (O/U0 points prop.
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