Mavericks vs. Lakers NBA expert prediction and odds for Wednesday, Jan. 17
By Reed Wallach
The Lakers and Mavericks meet in a nationally televised showdown on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
The Lakers' inconsistent play has the team jockeying for position amongst a crowded group in the Play-In Tournament, but the team can help its cause with a win at home against the Mavericks, who are slightly ahead of them in the standings.
With Luka Doncic potentially back from injury, can the Mavericks get a boost and contend with the volatile Lakers? We got you covered with our full betting preview below!
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Mavericks vs. Lakers Odds, Spread and Total
Lakers vs. Mavericks Betting Trends
- Mavericks are 23-18 against the spread (ATS) this season
- Lakers are 18-24 ATS this season
- Lakers are 10-15 ATS as a favorite this season
- The Lakers are 15-7 to the UNDER at home this season
Mavericks vs. Lakers Injury Reports
Mavericks Injury Report
- Grant Williams - probable
- Derrick Jones Jr. - probable
- Luka Doncic - questionable
- Dante Exum - out
Lakers Injury Report
- Anthony Davis - probable
- LeBron James - questionable
- Cam Reddish - out
Mavericks vs. Lakers How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, January 17th
- Game Time: 8:30 PM EST
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena
- How to Watch (TV): ABC
- Mavericks Record: 24-17
- Lakers Record: 20-21
Mavericks vs. Lakers Key Players to Watch
Mavericks
Kyrie Irving: Doncic has been upgraded to questionable, so there's a chance he goes in this one, but Irving has kept the team afloat in his place. He has scored 30 or more in five straight games and is fresh off 42/7/7 in a win against the Pelicans on Monday. Overall, Irving is enjoying another monster season, posting averages of nearly 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Lakers
Anthony Davis: Davis has been a monster this season as the Lakers try to build some momentum for a playoff push. One of the best defenders in the league, Davis leads the league in combined steals and blocks ('stocks') and is imposing his will at the other end, averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds.
Mavericks vs. Lakers Prediction and Pick
The return of Doncic would give the Mavericks a huge boost, but I'm going to side with the Lakers to get it done at home and cover the spread.
Dallas is incredibly reliant on the three-point shot, second in the league in three-point rate this season, and it is sometimes a crippling flaw on the road. The Mavericks take about three more three's per game away from home, but shoot nearly three percent worse in those games.
With Davis patrolling the rim, the Mavs are going to need to run hot from beyond the arc to keep up with the likes of LeBron James on the other end, who is still generating prolific offense at this point in his career.
Since the calendar flipped to 2024, the Lakers are out-pacing the Mavericks in terms of effective field goal percentage, 13th in that metric while the Mavs are 16th. Even with Doncic potentially back, I like LA to cover in a favorable spot.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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