It’s time for the Nico Harrison Bowl once again. Luka Doncic and the Lakers are heading into Dallas and looking to rub the Mavericks’ noses in it.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Los Angeles enters as a 3.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Dallas is a +145 underdog. The game’s total is set at 233.5 points. Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this matchup.
Lakers vs. Mavericks Preview
Strange times are upon the Lakers. They’re fifth in the West on the strength of their talent, but it’s clear that things are rotten under the surface. LeBron James and team governor Jeanie Buss are having a public falling out, and rumors are swirling that the King’s reign is over in LA. The roster is clunky and not working, which makes it apparent that GM Rob Pelinka will have to get busy before the trade deadline. But hey, at least they have Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks continue to wish they had a do-over. Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the Doncic trade that is approaching its one-year anniversary, is out for months with a hand injury. Veteran role players like Klay Thompson continue to decline. Cooper Flagg was a godsend, but this is the last season where the Mavericks have control of their own first-round pick. They have the foundational piece for their franchise, but how they build things around him is the question. That is going to be extremely difficult.
For now, Dallas has a solid defense to lean on; they’re eighth in defensive rating, according to Cleaning the Glass. With the trade deadline a few weeks away and a play-in spot in their grasp, these next several games are crucial for the franchise. And this Lakers game carries huge importance.
Lakers vs. Mavericks Pick, Best Bet
So far, the Lakers are 3-0 against the Mavericks in the Luka Doncic era. He sure knows how to put the hurt on his former team. Things may be dysfunctional in La La Land, but talent wins out more often than not. A big game from Doncic will propel the Lakers to victory.
