Lakers vs. Mavericks Prediction & Odds
The last-place Lakers travel to Dallas to face the third-place Mavericks on Christmas Day at 2:30 PM ET. Can the Mavericks cover the 8-point spread as home favorites?
The Los Angeles Lakers are 13-19 on the season. They are 3-7 in their last 10 games. The Lakers are 12-20 ATS on the year.
The Dallas Mavericks are 17-16 on the season. They’re 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Mavericks are 11-20-2 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
589 Los Angeles Lakers (+8) at 590 Dallas Mavericks (-8); O/U 229.5
2:30 PM ET, Sunday, December 25, 2022
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Lakers vs. Mavericks Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 64% of public bettors are currently backing the Mavericks -8 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Los Angeles Lakers DFS Spin
The big injury news for Los Angeles is the absence of star power forward Anthony Davis. Davis has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot and will miss Sunday’s game. He’ll be re-evaluated in 2 weeks. He’s been marvelous when healthy, averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. The Lakers may be used to playing without Davis though, as he’s been injury prone his entire career.
The Lakers will likely have to lean on star forward LeBron James for scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. He is a must-start in DFS, especially when he’s playing in a primetime game like Sunday’s Christmas Day matchup. James had been nursing an ankle injury, but he’s officially listed as probable for Sunday’s game. James is averaging 27.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s shooting an efficient 49.3% from the field this season and should be able to help DFS players in multiple categories.
Dallas Mavericks DFS Spin
The Dallas Mavericks will be without guards Kemba Walker and Josh Green on Sunday. They will also be missing forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber. Both Walker and Finney-Smith are averaging over 8 points per game in more than 23 minutes per game this season, and the Mavs’ bench will likely be shortened due to their absence.
If you’re looking for bankable production across the three major stat categories, Luka Doncic is your man. Doncic is posting 32.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Doncic has a usage rate of 37.9% this season which ranks second in the NBA to only Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The offense revolves around Doncic and he should have a big day against a Lakers defense that will be missing its best interior defender in Anthony Davis.
Lakers vs. Mavericks NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Sunday games.
Dallas is 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 Sunday games.
Dallas is 0-8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record.
Dallas is 4-10-2 ATS in their last 16 home games.
Lakers vs. Mavericks NBA Prediction
The Lakers might not have Anthony Davis for this game, but they will have LeBron James. James holds the record for most points scored on Christmas Day and his 39 points against the Nets on December 25th of last season marked a career-high. LeBron James has a record of 10-6 on Christmas Day during his career. James is still an elite player capable of carrying a team and that’s what I think he’ll do on Sunday. I’ll fade the public and take the Lakers and the points.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES LAKERS +8