Date/Time: 01-10-2020, 21:45 EDT / 02:45 GMT
Spread: Dallas Mavericks -1.5 Total: +222.5
Two of the most talented players in the NBA this season will be facing each other in this high stakes Western Conference duel, when Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (23-14) are hosting LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (30-7). Both teams will be missing their top big men tonight, as Kristaps Porzingis (DAL) has already been ruled out and Anthony Davis (LAL) is questionable.
The Dallas Mavericks have a 23-14 record (19-17-1 against the spread) and are sitting in the 6th place of the West. They have lost two of their last three matches and in their last game they lost at home to the Nuggets with a 106-107 score, not beating the odds. They are led in scoring by Luka Doncic with 29.6 ppg, which is the third-best in the league. He also leads the team both in rebounding, with 9.7, and in assists made, with 9 per game, which is also the third-best in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a 30-7 record (19-17-1 against the spread) and are sitting in the first place of the West. They have six consecutive wins and in their last game they won at home against the Knicks with a 117-87 score, beating the odds. They are led in scoring by Anthony Davis with 27.1 ppg, adding a team high 9.4 rebounds per game, but he is questionable for tonight. He is followed by LeBron James with 25.1 ppg, 7.8 rebounds and a league-best 10.8 assists per game.
The Lakers lead the Mavericks 2-1 wins so far this season, having won the previous game in Dallas with a 110-119 score in overtime. The Mavericks are 11-9 at home, while the Lakers are 15-3 on the road. The Mavericks are better offensively (116.4 to 112.9 ppg), while the Lakers are better defensively (104.9 to 109.2 ppg). The Lakers have a better field goal percentage (48.2% to 46.2%), while the Mavericks have a better 3-point percentage (36.5% to 35.6%). The Lakers are better in assists made (26.1 to 24.6), while the Mavericks are better both in rebounding (47.4 to 45.4) and in turnovers committed (13.1 to 15.2). The Lakers have already won once on the road, but the outcome of this game is totally dependent on Anthony Davis’ status so stay tuned. If he is able to suit up, the Lakers are the instant favorite.
Lakers vs Mavericks Prediction: Dallas Mavericks -1.5 (-110)
