The Los Angeles Lakers (32-41) clash against the Dallas Mavericks (23-51) at Staples Center. The game will air on Fox Sports – Southwest at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The Mavericks will be hoping for similar success after topping the Sacramento Kings in their last contest, 103-97. One of Dallas’ largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Sacramento had 19. Dallas was lifted by Harrison Barnes, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
In the Lakers’ last game, they lost to the Detroit Pistons, 112-106. Detroit’s 6.2 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Los Angeles, who had a rate of 9.4. The Pistons’ mark was better than their season average of 12.0. With 15 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds, Los Angeles’ Lonzo Ball had a good performance.
It will be a battle of contrasting styles as the fast-paced Lakers will look to push the more grind-it-out Mavericks. The Lakers currently rank first in possessions per game while the Mavericks are 25th.
Dallas comes into the contest with records of 23-51 straight up (SU) and 37-36 against the spread (ATS). Of the Mavericks’ 73 games that accepted bets, 38 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 32-41 SU and 38-34-1 ATS. Unlike Dallas, games involving the Lakers have finished over the total 53.4 percent of the time.
Julius Randle and Kyle Kuzma have played at a high level over the last five games for Los Angeles. Randle has averaged 22.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Kuzma has recorded 22.2 points and 8.8 rebounds a game during that span.
The Lakers lead the season series against the Mavericks two games to one, including a decisive 22-point victory in their last matchup. Los Angeles covered as a 4-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 226 points, which was just 5 points above the projected point total of 221 points. The Lakers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 5.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.161 vs. 0.099). Randle put up a triple-double in the victory, with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Dallas is 19-16 ATS with 18 unders and 17 overs.
Los Angeles is 19-15 ATS at home with 17 overs and 17 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 12-4 and Dallas is 16-11.
The Mavericks are 17-26 when they reach the century mark, while the Lakers are 29-27.
Los Angeles ranks first in points in the paint per game (52.3) while Dallas ranks 29th (38.8).
The Lakers rank second in second chance points per game (14.3) while the Mavericks rank last (10.4).
Dallas ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.0) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (18.4).
The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.2) while the Mavericks rank 27th (41.1).
Los Angeles averages 17.2 fast break points per game, which ranks second in the league. Dallas ranks 26th in fast break points allowed per game (14.1).
The Mavericks rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while the Lakers rank 28th (5.6).
Dallas averages 32.3 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (30.0).
The Lakers average 23.8 assists per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Mavericks rank 17th in assists allowed per game (23.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Dallas is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Los Angeles is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Mavericks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 2.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 104.4 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.0 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
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