Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Los Angeles Lakers have alternated wins and losses in their last 12 games.
• The Dallas Mavericks have dropped four of their last five games.
• The Lakers won their earlier meeting with the Mavs this season, 138 to 115.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Odds

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Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Predictions and Picks

The Mavericks’ defense has been suspect over the past five games, while the Lakers have been inconsistent in their own right. Los Angeles may be spurred on by the return of one of their superstars!

Pick:

Los Angeles Lakers def. Dallas Mavericks (+115)

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How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks

Head-to-Head: Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks

LAL: Move the Ball!

While it’s possible that Anthony Davis will return for this matchup, the Lakers still need to commit themselves to a passing-oriented offense to make up for their missing pieces.

In their previous game, a loss to the Utah Jazz, the Laker’s offense didn’t have enough movement. On 34 field goals, the Lakers had just 17 assists. They need to be able to create more opportunities with their passing.

The task starts with point guard Dennis Schroder. While Davis may return, it’ll be up to the German point guard to initiate the Laker’s offense early.

Lakers Key Player: (F) Anthony Davis

Lakers forward Anthony Davis has missed 32 games so far this season due to a serious Achilles injury. He is expected to return in this matchup, which could shift the odds in the Lakers’ favor.

In 23 games this season Anthony Davis has averaged 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 32.8 minutes of play.

Davis is one of the league’s unmatchable two-way threats. While he’ll likely be on a minutes restriction, he helps the Lakers’ lack of interior depth tremendously.

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DAL: Defend the Perimeter

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off of a loss to the Sacramento Kings. In that loss, the Mavs continued to show their issues guarding the perimeter.

The Kings has three 20-plus point scorers in the Mavs’ last loss, a testament to Dallas’ struggled to guard the perimeter. Luka Doncic is no ace, but he has to do better if he wants to keep his team in the game.

Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Maxi Kleber are great defenders in Dallas’ starting lineup. However, they can’t carry the entire load for Rick Carlisle’s team, as the Lakers have too many weapons that can beat an imbalanced back line.

Mavericks Key Player: (F) Kristaps Porzingis

The Dallas Mavericks have banked hard on the pairing of Doncic and Porzingis. However, on the Latvian side of production, it’s been rather inconsistent.

In his last game, a loss to the Kings, Porzingis posted a disappointing nine points on 21.4% shooting from the field. He was effective on the boards, nabbing 11 on the night, but his poor scoring effort doomed the Mavericks.

He needs to be an efficient scoring option for the Mavs to beat the Lakers. Whether it is at the rim or from range, Porzingis needs to support his teammates with the potential of his scoring.