Lakers vs Mavs: Luka’s Dallas Return – Preview & Odds
Dallas is set to host the Los Angeles Lakers this Saturday, January 24th, at 6 p.m. PST in American Airlines Arena. This matchup marks the third game of an eight-game road trip for the Lakers, and the second time they’ll face the Mavericks this season. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and locally on ESPN LA 710 and 1330 KWKW.
Game Preview
The Lakers previously defeated the Mavericks in late November, a contest played without Anthony Davis in the lineup. Davis remains sidelined, currently seeking a second opinion regarding a finger injury and is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately six weeks.
Los Angeles enters the game having lost six of their last nine contests, most recently falling to the Clippers after a near comeback from a 26-point deficit. Conversely, the Mavericks are riding a four-game winning streak, having secured an eight-point victory over the Warriors in their last outing.
Luka Dončić played a significant role in the Lakers’ recent near-comeback, registering 32 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. He also recently achieved his fifth triple-double of the season against the Nuggets, with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, while LeBron James contributed 19 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in that game.
Dončić expressed a continued connection to his time in Dallas, stating, “Obviously it’s always going to feel like home there. I’ll always appreciate those fans. I think we had a special bond.”
Despite improvements in second-half defense, the Lakers have struggled with slow starts, a pattern that proved costly against the Clippers. They managed to hold their opponents to under 50 points and just 10 points in the paint during the second half, but the initial deficit proved insurmountable.
The Mavericks
The Mavericks, navigating Davis’s intermittent availability, have been led by rookie Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick. Flagg has demonstrated increasing comfort at the forward position, averaging 19 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 42 games. Naji Marshall has also emerged as a key contributor, scoring a season-high 30 points against the Warriors.
The Lakers, currently sixth in the Western Conference with a 26-17 record, boast a 14-9 record away from home. They will face a Dallas team that is 14-11 at home.
Notable Opponent Ranks Among the NBA
Dallas currently ranks 23rd in points per game (114.4), while also allowing the lowest 3-point percentage in the NBA (32.9%). They do, however, allow the second-most offensive rebounds per game (12.3).
Injury Report
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Lakers:
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Austin Reaves (left calf strain): Out
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Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain): Out
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Nuggets:
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Daniel Gafford (ankle): Out
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Moussa Cisse (illness): Day-to-day
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Anthony Davis (finger): Out
Threads for the Game
The Lakers will be wearing their white uniforms on the road, while the Mavericks will sport their classic green uniforms.
Next Matchup
Following this game, the Lakers will continue their eight-game road trip with a matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lakers’ record on the road?
The Lakers have a 14-9 record when playing away from home.
Who is currently out for the Mavericks?
Anthony Davis is currently out with a finger injury, and Daniel Gafford is out due to an ankle injury. Moussa Cisse is listed as day-to-day with an illness.
What is Luka Dončić’s recent performance like?
Luka Dončić recently recorded 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists against the Lakers and also achieved a triple-double against the Nuggets with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
With both teams navigating injury challenges and seeking to establish consistency, what strategic adjustments do you anticipate having the biggest impact on Saturday’s game?