The NBA regular season keeps rolling on Tuesday night with a Western Conference matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers (20-15) and Dallas Mavericks (20-16).
The Mavericks will still be without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving tonight as the duo deals with injuries, as such they are 6.5-point home underdogs at Sportsbook.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Odds Today
Lakers vs Mavericks, January 7, 7:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | -6.5 (-110) | -278 | O218.5 (-110) |
| Dallas Mavericks | +6.5 (-110) | +222 | U218.5 (-110) |
Odds as of Jan. 7 at Sportsbook
Lakers vs Dallas Picks Today
Los Angeles Lakers -6.5 (-110) at Sportsbook
The Dallas Mavericks are extremely shorthanded right now, with Luka Doncic (calf), Kyrie Irving (back), and Daniel Gafford (ankle) all sidelined with injuries. They have now lost five straight games as a result, the most recent four all coming by double digits. Things don’t get any easier when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town tonight.
The Lakers have had an up-and-down regular season in their first year under head coach J.J. Redick, but they are 7-3 over their last 10 games. At 40, LeBron James has continued to play at an elite level, averaging 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. Redick has also gotten the most out of Anthony Davis this season, averaging 26 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.
With Gafford sidelined for the Mavericks, Davis could be in for a big game tonight. In three games against Dereck Lively, Davis has averaged 25 points per game. Dallas has allowed some huge performances to Memphis’s Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cleveland’s Evan Mobley in recent games, and Davis could be the next in line here.
The Lakers’ trade acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith is already paying dividends, as the three-and-D wing is coming off a strong performance with 13 points in the team’s last outing. His perimeter defense would have been massive against Doncic and Irving in this spot, but instead, he’ll draw easier matchups with Spencer Dinwiddie and Klay Thompson starting in the backcourt.
The Mavericks are floundering without their two superstars, and the Lakers are the much healthier, more cohesive team. The best bet in this game is on Los Angeles to cover the spread as the road favorite.
Lakers vs Mavericks Prop Pick Today
Jaden Hardy OVER 9.5 Points (-135) bet365
The Mavericks are searching for scoring without Doncic and Irving in the lineup, and one player who has stepped up in recent games is third-year guard Jaden Hardy. He’s posted 10+ points in four of his last five games, including 15+ in each of his last two outings. He’s a capable shooter from deep while also getting to the rim and scoring inside. With 10+ shot attempts in his last two games, Hardy should get plenty of volume in this matchup and can clear 10 points in any game environment.
Lakers vs Mavericks Betting Trends
- The Mavericks are 1-6 in their last seven games
- The Lakers are 7-3 in their last ten games
- Anthony Davis has scored 28+ points in three of his last four games
