The Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest Christmas present to themselves and their fans would be a win against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Dallas is relatively better-placed with a 17-16 record. They’re eighth in a stacked Western Conference and will fancy their chances against the underfire Lakers, who have lost their last three games without the services of their superstar, Anthony Davis.
The big man suffered a stress fracture earlier this month and is out indefinitely. For a side that depends on Davis and LeBron James to propel them across the finish line, this is a major blow, and they haven’t been able to arrest the slide despite Russell Westbrook’s re-emergence as their sixth man and meaningful contributions from Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves.
For the Mavericks, it’s been an up-and-down journey. They have won three of their last five games, and like James, their side relies heavily on Luka Doncic to deliver day in and day out.
The only question for the Lakers is if they can show up and put on a display the way only they can against the Mavericks. On that note, here’s a look at the projected starters, the injury reports of both camps, and the prediction.
Dallas Mavericks Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Mavericks have quite a few names missing out on playing on Christmas day. They will miss the services of Kemba Walker (knee), Dorian Finney-Smith (hip), and Josh Green (elbow). Jaden Hardy (back) is listed as questionable.
Expect the side to go with the same unit as the one against the Houston Rockets. Luka Doncic (G), Spencer Dinwiddie (G), Tim Hardaway Jr. (F), Reggie Bullock (F), and Christian Wood (C) might be the likely starters.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers have good news in the form of Thomas Bryant’s availability. The center was seen clutching his shoulder in pain in their last game against the Charlotte Hornets and left the floor with 3:16 remaining. However, ESPN’s updated injury report doesn’t include him on their list, and that would mean he would be a sure shot starter.
Anthony Davis will be missing this contest, as will Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle). LeBron James is listed as probable, but there is every chance he will suit up.
The starting five for the Lakers hasn’t changed since Davis’ injury. Patrick Beverley (G), Dennis Schroder (G), Lonnie Walker IV (F), LeBron James (F), and Thomas Bryant (C) are the projected starting five.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
The bigger challenge for the Lakers isn’t scoring. At least, it’s not the first one on their list. They will be wary of the threat the versatile Doncic poses, especially after he notched up 50 points against the Rockets and made a strong case for MVP. His ability to score freely and penetrate even the sternest of defenses will test Los Angeles, especially without Davis.
The Lakers’ 18th-place defensive rating puts them at a disadvantage when compared to the Mavericks, who have the ninth-highest adjusted offensive rating. Much of the offensive load will be on James, and despite his stellar production, he has had a lack of support from the rest of the roster.
If it’s any consolation, they have been shooting better from the charity stripe. The team has made 79.5% of their shots from the line, and they will need to be spot-on if they intend to walk away with a win and not drown their sorrows in some egg-nog. We’re backing the Mavericks to win this one.
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