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Shorthanded Mavs Look to End Skid Against LeBron’s Lakers

The Lakers and the Mavericks will both be trying to pick up a win when they battle at American Airlines Center.

(Photo by Getty Images) LeBron James

LA Lakers (20-15) at Dallas (20-15)

  • When: Jan 7 2025, 7:30 PM
  • Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
  • TV: TNT

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Los Angeles Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks
Moneyline

Los Angeles Lakers   -270
Dallas Mavericks   +220

Los Angeles Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks
Point Spread

Los Angeles Lakers   -7.0 (-115)
Dallas Mavericks   7.0 (-105)

Los Angeles Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks
Total

Over   218.5 (-110)
Under   218.5 (-110)

Key Players:
LA Lakers: LeBron James
Dallas: Klay Thompson

Team Stats

Lakers   Mavericks
20-15 Record 20-15
8-10 Away & Home 10-6
7-3 Last 10 4-6
L1 Streak L4

Last Matchup:
LAL 127-110, January 17th, 2024

Game Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers head to Dallas as 7-point favorites to face the struggling Mavericks in the second leg of a back-to-back, with the total set at 218.5.

The Mavericks are desperate to avoid a six-game losing streak, a slump they haven’t seen since early 2021. Without Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined until at least the end of January due to a calf strain, Dallas has struggled to generate offense. Making matters worse, Kyrie Irving is out for at least a week with a back issue, leaving the Mavericks severely undermanned. In Monday’s 119-104 loss to Memphis, Dallas also lost center Daniel Gafford (ankle), further thinning their lineup.

Jason Kidd will need role players like Klay Thompson (14.2 PPG) and P.J. Washington (12.8 PPG) to step up in a big way. Washington led Dallas with 17 points in their loss to Memphis, but the lack of star power makes it difficult for the Mavericks to keep up against stronger opponents.

The Lakers, meanwhile, had their momentum slowed by a 119-115 loss to the Houston Rockets, where they trailed by 22 points before a late rally fell short. Despite the loss, Anthony Davis was dominant, scoring 30 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and recording five blocks. Davis is averaging 26 points and nearly 12 boards per game, anchoring the Lakers’ interior on both ends. LeBron James adds 24 PPG, with Austin Reaves chipping in 18.4 PPG as a reliable third option.

The Mavericks have historically fared well against the Lakers, winning seven of their last nine meetings. However, with their top stars sidelined, they face an uphill battle to contain the Lakers’ dynamic duo of Davis and James. The Lakers’ defense, combined with the Mavs’ depleted roster, gives Los Angeles a significant edge.

Prediction: Bet on the Lakers to cover the -7 spread and for the total to stay under 218.5 as Dallas’ injury woes make it hard to keep pace offensively.

Handicappers Picks – Join for Free

NBA Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: LA Lakers 111-102
The Pick: LA Lakers -7 (-115) & Under 218½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $300

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