The Los Angeles Lakers (25-7) meet the Dallas Mavericks (21-10) at the Staples Center. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
In the Mavericks’ last matchup, they blew out the Golden State Warriors, 141-121, as 7.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (262) came in well over the O/U total of 226. The Mavericks made 21 of their 21 free throws (100.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.652 (above their season average of 0.544). Dallas received a boost from Luka Doncic, who recorded his eighth triple-double of the year. He took over, accumulating 31 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds.
The Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers in their last matchup, 128-120, despite being 2-point underdogs. The game’s total points (248) finished well over the O/U total of 221.5. The Lakers had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 8.0 (better than their season average of 13.2) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.8 (above their season average of 24.5). With 21 points, 16 assists and seven rebounds, Los Angeles’ LeBron James had a solid game.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Mavericks won the most recent matchup 114-100, covering as 6-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 214 points, which was 8.5 points below the projected point total of 222.5 points. The Mavericks had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 20.5) and had a better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 15.3). Anthony Davis recorded a double-double in the loss, with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Dallas heads into the game with records of 21-10 straight up (SU) and 18-12 against the spread (ATS). Of the Mavericks’ 30 games with betting action, 19 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 25-7 SU and 16-15 ATS. Contrary to Dallas, Lakers games have a tendency to finish under the O/U total (58.1 percent).
Los Angeles may have trouble getting to the charity stripe in this meeting. The Lakers rank 22nd in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.188, while Dallas ranks sixth in FTA rate allowed (0.179).
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers Odds Pick
Free Pick: ATS Winner – Mavs, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Dallas is 12-2 ATS with 10 overs and 4 unders.
Los Angeles is 8-6 ATS at home with 8 unders and 6 overs.
When allowing below 100 points, Dallas is 5-0 and Los Angeles is 10-0.
The Mavericks are 21-9 when they reach the century mark, while the Lakers are 21-7.
Los Angeles ranks third in fast break points per game (17.3) while Dallas ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (16.3).
The Lakers rank fourth in steals per game (8.5) while the Mavericks rank 27th (6.5).
Los Angeles ranks second in points in the paint per game (53.1) while Dallas ranks 25th (44.8).
The Lakers rank first in blocks per game (7.2) while the Mavericks rank 21st (4.6).
Dallas ranks second in three pointers attempted per game (41.1) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd (31.0).
The Lakers rank ninth in points off turnovers per game (18.0) while the Mavericks rank 25th (15.5).
Dallas ranks third in rebounds per game (48.1) while Los Angeles ranks 17th (45.3).
The Lakers rank third in second chance points per game (14.9) while the Mavericks rank ninth in second chance points allowed per game (12.5).
Over its last five games, Dallas is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Los Angeles is 0-5 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Mavericks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 8.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 108.8 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 115.0 points per game (9.4 above their season average).
