NBA Picks: Are the Mavericks giving up too many points to the Lakers?

Lakers vs. Mavericks Pick

Can the Dallas Mavericks have a smooth night at home when they host the struggling Los Angeles Lakers tonight at 8:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Mavericks are favored at home tonight, as they are getting odds of -9.5 points against the Lakers. The over/under total for the game is listed at 205 points. Dallas has won all three meetings this season, covering the spread in the process. The Mavericks have won 10 straight over the Lakers as well.

NBA Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends

Dallas has won two straight and four of its last five to move to 26-36 overall. The Mavericks are 2.5 games out of the eighth spot in the West. Dallas has covered the spread in five straight and is now 35-27 against the spread on the season. The Mavs have put up a 21-11 record ATS at home as well. While averaging just 97.9 points per game on the season and allowing only 99.7 on defense, the offense boosts to 100.2 at home while allowing only 96.9. Harrison Barnes is leading the team with 20.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while Wesley Matthews is adding 14.9 points per game.

The Lakers have dropped seven straight to fall to 19-44 on the year. They are also 0-6-1 against the spread in those seven games and are 27-34-2 against the spread on the season. Los Angeles averages 103.9 points per game on offense but allows 110.8 on defense. On the road, L.A. only puts up 100.8 on offense and gives up 112.9 on defense. D’Angelo Russell is averaging 14.9 points and 4.8 assists per game while Julius Randle adds 12.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest.

Bet on Lakers vs. Mavericks

The Lakers are a mess right now and losing Lou Williams didn’t help. Now their offense is struggling while their defense continues to give up points at will. Dallas is certainly no offensive power, but its defense will easily be able to handle this L.A. team at home and the Mavs should score more than usual since the Lakers don’t play any defense.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: DALLAS MAVERICKS -9.5