Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 25/02/2023, 13:53  by Joseph King | Modified on 25/02/2023 at 13:53 in NBA Predictions

The Dallas Mavericks host the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center for this NBA Western Conference Sunday afternoon clash. The Lakers are on the upswing after a 124-111 win over the defending champion Golden State Warriors made it back-to-back wins for the Purple and Gold. The Lakers have won three of their four games since an extremely active trade deadline saw them acquire D'Angelo Russel, Malik Beasely and Jarred Vanderbuilt for Russell Westbrook and draft picks. The Lake show’s latest victory puts them at a total record of 28 wins and 32 losses as there is still plenty of work to do for LeBron James and company if they are to avoid missing out on the playoffs for a second consecutive year. There is still plenty of time for LA to make a run with 22 games left in the season but they don't have much margin for error. 

Another team that shook up the NBA on the trade deadline was the Dallas Mavericks. They were able to acquire mercurial point-guard Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets for a number of their role-players. The addition sees the Mavs with arguably the most dangerous backcourt in the league as superstar Luka Doncic now has a teammate that can shoulder some of the ball handling and creative responsibilities. Dallas is 3-3 since the trade but are just 1-2 with both Doncic and Irving on the court at the same time. They currently sit sixth in a crowded Western Conference with a record of 32 wins and 29 defeats. A win could see Dallas overtake the fifth-place Clippers and go within a half game of the fourth-place Suns.

LeBron James previously missed three consecutive games after breaking the all-time scoring record. The 38-year-old is back in the team although appears to be on somewhat of a minutes restriction. James has averaged just 23 minutes per game over the last three outings. The Lakers will likely be without new man D’Angelo Russell, who managed only nine minutes against the Warriors in the previous game.