The Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks for the first time this 2023-24 NBA season at the Crypto.com Arena, the first meeting between the two Western Conference clubs with tip-off set for 11:30 a.m. E.T.
The Lakers vs. Mavericks clash should be interesting, as the rivalry between these two teams is well-documented. The Lakers are coming off an emphatic 131-99 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, November 21. This lopsided win undoubtedly gives the Lakers momentum heading into their game with the Mavericks.
Conversely, the Mavericks are struggling and have dropped their last two assignments. Their last loss came at the hands of the Sacramento Kings, 129-113, ESPN reported. Mavs coach Jason Kidd will want nothing more than a win to stop the bleeding.
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Lakers vs. Mavericks Odds
The Mavericks are one-point spread favorites to prevail over the Lakers, per OddsSharks.com. The Moneyline is +117 for Los Angeles and -139 for Dallas.
The Lakers vs. Mavericks encounter promises to be close, with both teams having their respective edges on both sides. The Lakers are doing well on defense but struggling on offense. The case with Dallas is the opposite, as they are doing well on their offensive plays but significantly lacking in defensive effort.
Lakers vs. Mavericks Preview
The Mavericks are expected to be determined against the Lakers to stop its losing spell. They are coming off losses to the Kings and the Milwaukee Bucks, and their defense needs work.
Against the Kings and the Bucks, the Mavs gave up an average of 130.5 points. Although an argument could be raised that Dallas lost because of the NBA schedule, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd is not making it an excuse, SI.com reported.
"We can complain about the schedule, about the time, about the floor, whatever we want to complain about," Kidd said. "But we've got to play the game, and we've got to be pros about it. It's about energy and effort and attitude."
So far this season, the Mavericks are the sixth-worse team with a defensive rating of 118.2. The Lakers are doing better and are at 13th spot with a 112.1 per NBA.com.
Both teams are expected to rely heavily on their offense to pull out the win. With multiple stars on each team, the club that hits its stride early should get the advantage. However, the focus will be on the defense of each team.
For the Lakers, it is the exact opposite. They are struggling offensively and are the sixth-worst team, with an offensive rating of 112.1. The Mavs are way ahead of them, running third in the league at the moment with an offensive rating of 118.2, just behind the Philadelphia 76ers and the Indiana Pacers.
Los Angeles has racked up three straight wins against the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and the Utah Jazz. But a fourth consecutive win can only happen if the Lakers can execute well offensively.
Lakers vs. Mavericks Pick
The Lakers may have a home-court advantage but need to execute better on offense if they want to deal the Mavs their third-straight loss. James and Anthony Davis will lead the purple and gold once more, but the Lakers' bench needs to do its share to get another win.
The Mavs will be interesting to watch, especially with their defensive woes being singled out. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have the offense covered, so it will be up to other guys, such as Dwight Powell and Dereck Lively II, to tighten up Dallas' defense.
The Lakers are expected to pull this off, although don't count out the Mavericks just yet.
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