The Los Angeles Lakers are on the road on Wednesday as they take on the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers’ showdowns with the Mavericks have been extremely interesting ever since Luka Doncic joined the team, although this game will be different.
Luka Doncic will not be playing on Wednesday because of an injured ankle. This is a significantly different Mavericks team when Doncic is not able to suit up.
The Lakers had to fly into Dallas later than originally scheduled because of a positive covid-19 test from Talen Horton-Tucker. The Lakers had to undergo additional testing before they flew to Dallas, and thus far, the team seems to have avoided the dreaded outbreak. However, Anthony Davis is listed as probable with a knee injury.
The Lakers should be able to get this done without Doncic but as you know, anything can happen in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Mavericks odds, spread, over/under:
According to WynnBET, the Los Angeles Lakers are 1.5-point favorites on the road against the Dallas Mavericks. This makes the Lakers a -125 moneyline favorite while the Mavericks are a +105 moneyline underdog. The over/under for the game has been set at 213 points.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Mavericks prediction:
This line is way too small. I get that there is a chance that Anthony Davis won’t play but with Luka Doncic not playing it does not matter much. Doncic is arguably the most impactful player to his team in the league because without him the Mavericks truly are a mediocre basketball team.
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Sure, the Lakers are on the road and they have been prone to disappointing this season. All of that makes the Lakers a risky pick in any game. That being said, this line is so small that we don’t really have to even worry about the spread. We are essentially taking the Lakers to win outright.
If the Lakers only end up winning by one then I will eat crow but if they win they will cover. I am taking Lakers -1.5 and over 213 points with a final score of Lakers 112, Mavericks 106.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Mavericks TV channel:
This is a nationally-televised game that can be watched on ESPN. Tip-off is slated for 4:30 p.m. Pacific.
Los Angeles Lakers schedule and upcoming games:
The Lakers have two more games on this road trip as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. The Bulls game has been postponed to later in the day and will now tip-off at 5:00 p.m. Pacific.
The Lakers then return home for a homestand that takes them into Christmas day. The team hosts the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs before taking on the Brooklyn Nets on Christmas.