Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Dallas Mavericks look to extend their winning streak to three in a row!
• The Los Angeles Lakers also have back-to-back wins and are looking to extend their streak.
• The Mavericks won last year’s season series against the Lakers, 2-1.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Predictions and Picks

Both teams involved will be looking to extend their winning streak. While the Lakers roster are banged up in their own right, the loss of Doncic will be too big of a blow for the Mavericks.

Pick:

Los Angeles Lakers def. Dallas Mavericks (-120)

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Injury Report

How Can the Lakers Beat the Mavericks?

The Los Angeles Lakers will be fortunate as Luka Doncic is not expected to play for the Dallas Mavericks. When the Lakers enter this game, they can’t afford to get off to a slow start.

In their last game, a win over the Orlando Magic, the Lakers had a very slow start to the game. They scored just 18 points, while allowing 25 and five three-point field goals.

The Dallas Mavericks are very happy to score the ball, so if Los Angeles can’t keep up early they could struggle to get back in the game. On the other hand, we’ve seen the Lakers stars step up to make up the difference before.

Lakers Key Player: (F) LeBron James

Western Conference Player of the Week, and had fun while doing it ? pic.twitter.com/HrEwXcMpCG

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 13, 2021

Despite their record, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to stay competitive due to the ability of LeBron James. In his last game against the Magic, James put on a vintage performance.

LeBron James left his last game with a victory and a triple-double. He posted 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists while also treating his team to 3 blocks.

The Los Angeles Lakers will want LeBron James to be aggressive from the outset against the Mavericks. If the Lakers can take advantage of the Mavericks defence early, they can build an early lead.

How Can the Mavericks Beat the Lakers?

The Dallas Mavericks are usually a team that are very dependent on their star to initiate their offence for them. In their most recent game, Dallas were able to find production from many different players.

In their last game, a win over the Hornets, the Mavericks had five different players scoring in double-digits. While Jalen Brunson led the team in assists, the team as a whole assisted on 28 of their 43 field goals.

Against a defence that is anchored by Anthony Davis, Dallas can’t afford too many mistakes. Head coach Jason Kidd will hope his reserves can produce another big scoring night.

Mavericks Key Player: (F-C) Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis out here doing some target practice ?pic.twitter.com/11Mc2C7lQn

— Mavs Nation (@MavsNationCP) December 11, 2021

With star man Luka Doncic out of the lineup, all eyes are pointed toward Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian All-Star has bounced back from injury well and is coming off of a great performance in his last game.

In Porzingis’ most recent match, a win over the Charlotte Hornets, he posted 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks. While his shooting was solid, it was Porzingis’ ability to get to the free throw line that helped the Mavericks to victory.

Regardless of the team that the Lakers are able to field, Porzingis will need to carry the offensive load for the Mavericks. If he can get going, opportunities open up for the entire squad.

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