Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers 12/25/20: NBA Basketball free preview, analysis, prediction, odds and pick against the spread.
2020-12-25 20:00:00 EDT
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks at the STAPLES Center on Christmas Day.
The Dallas Mavericks are still searching for their first win of the season after falling just short to the Suns in a 106-102 road loss on Wednesday. Luka Doncic heated up in the second half to lead the team with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr, Josh Richardson and Jalen Brunson each scored 12 points. As a team, the Mavericks shot 42 percent from the field and nine of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled their way to just 45 points in the first half, before Doncic made a run in the second half to keep them close till the end.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to bounce back after having their ring ceremony spoiled by the Clippers in a 116-109 loss on opening night. LeBron James led the team with 22 points and five assists, Anthony Davis added 18 points on eight of 15 shooting while Montrezl Harrell chipped in with a double-double of 17 points with 10 rebounds and three assists off the bench in his debut. As a team, the Lakers shot 46 percent from the field and nine of 29 from the 3-point line, but a sloppy first quarter really cost them as they were always fighting an uphill battle after falling behind by 20 points early.
Looking at the betting trends, the Mavericks are 2-7 ATS in their last nine road games, 0-5 ATS in their last five games against a team with a losing record and 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall. The Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last six games as a favorite and 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
Head to head, the under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings overall and the Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings overall.
The Mavericks were able to hang in the contest with the Suns on Wednesday, despite shooting just 42 percent for the game and it was mostly thanks to Doncic who picked up the slack for the injured Kristaps Porzingis. The Lakers are obviously disappointed about losing to their rivals on opening night, but they will take confidence from the fact that they stayed in the fight despite James sitting out the final 7:51 with a sprained ankle. I expect the Mavericks to hang around thanks to a big game from Doncic, but in the end I have the Lakers winning this one comfortably behind the play of Davis who should feast in this matchup.
