Dallas Mavericks Vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (1/17/24)
Can the Dallas Mavericks continue to ride Tim Hardaway Jr and Kyrie Irving’s recent play to their third win in the past four games? Check out our Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers predictions, betting picks, analysis, and injury reports for both teams, including the availability of Luka Doncic!
Dallas Mavericks Vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
The main question entering this matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers is whether or not Luka Doncic will be available to play. Even though the Mavericks have surprisingly won two of their past three games without Doncic, it took Herculean efforts from Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. to sneak those out.
While it is not impossible for them to step up again in case Doncic does miss his fourth consecutive game, it feels unlikely. Below, let’s cover both instances (Doncic playing and Doncic not playing).
In Luka’s last six games against Los Angeles, he has posted roughly 32 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds per game; the Mavericks have gone 5-1 in those six games, and the only game that they lost came by three points, meaning they would have covered this spread in all six of those matchups. They have the Lakers’ number right now when Doncic is on the floor, shooting 40% from behind the arc in that stretch on a substantial amount of volume.
Considering that the Lakers have been one of the worst three-point defenses this season, especially over the past five weeks, when they have allowed opponents to shoot the fifth-highest 3P% in the NBA. Additionally, since they struggle to shoot consistently from deep (23rd in 3P%), this matchup could hardly be worse for the Lakers.
Conversely, let’s cover the Mavericks’ odds of covering this spread without Doncic. Dallas’ net rating with Doncic on the floor is +2.2 as opposed to -1.9 without him this season, a hefty difference. While the Mavericks have won two of their past three games without Doncic, look at what it took to secure those wins: Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged 36.5 points, while Kyrie posted 43 points per game in those victories. With Doncic, we will take Dallas and the points. Without Doncic, we will stay away altogether.
Dallas Mavericks Vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: Mavericks +4 (-110)
Contents
Best NBA Betting Promo Codes
Dallas Mavericks Vs. Los Angeles Lakers Best Odds
Dallas enters Crypto.com Arena as 3.5-point road underdogs on Wednesday night when it takes on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have Moneyline odds of -162 to continue to build on their positive momentum from Monday’s home win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Mavericks are +136 dogs to steal their 12th road win this season. The Over/Under rests around 241 points, with both sides holding -110 odds.
Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup
PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Kyrie Irving
SF: Josh Green
PF: Grant Williams
C: Dwight Powell
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Taurean Prince
PF: LeBron James
C: Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks Vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injuries
Dallas has suffered several injuries to several key players this season, including Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Grant Williams, Dante Exum, Maxi Kleber, Josh Green, and, now, Luka Doncic, who has missed the Mavs’ past three games due to an ankle injury; he is questionable for the matchup tonight against Los Angeles. Dante Exum (heel) is the only player for Dallas who is listed as out so far.
While the Los Angeles Lakers have not had the start to the 2023-24 campaign that they hoped for, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have remained largely healthy, which had not been the case in the previous season. Davis is probable to play in this game, but James is questionable with a minor ankle injury. Meanwhile, Cam Reddish and Gabe Vincent both remain sidelined with knee injuries.