The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET in their last game before the NBA All-Star break. The Lakers, with a 32-21 record, aim to avoid a third consecutive loss against a Mavericks team on an eight-game skid and holding a 19-34 mark. Betting models favor the Lakers by 7.5 points, with an over/under of 236.5.
The matchup at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles pits the Lakers against a Mavericks squad plagued by injuries and poor form. Dallas has lost eight straight games since a 116-110 defeat to the Lakers on January 24, part of a broader four-game losing streak to Los Angeles this season. The Lakers have won all four recent meetings, including a 129-119 victory in late November.
Injuries continue to sideline key Mavericks players. No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg is out with a foot injury through the All-Star break, while Kyrie Irving remains sidelined by a knee issue. Luka Doncic is also out with a hamstring injury and will miss the chance to face his former team. The Mavericks have eight players listed as questionable, doubtful, or out, contributing to their struggles. Earlier in the season, Dallas traded away Anthony Davis.
For the Lakers, LeBron James is expected to return after missing Tuesday's 136-108 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Deandre Ayton is listed as questionable with a knee injury, but the team otherwise appears healthier. Los Angeles enters with a 32-21 record, having won three straight before their recent two losses.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates games 10,000 times, projects the Lakers to cover the 7.5-point spread in 67% of simulations. It also leans toward the over on the 236.5 total, noting the Lakers' 56.6% over rate this season and their league-best 17-7 home over record. Dallas has hit the over in its last three games. Both teams are projected to have five players in double figures, with the Lakers holding the top two scorers.
This game caps a three-game NBA slate on Thursday, with the Lakers looking to build momentum into the break.
