The Los Angeles Lakers will be keen to get back to winning ways against the Dallas Mavericks after the Denver Nuggets put an end to their five-game winning streak.
The Purple and Gold will look to LeBron James to steer them to a win again, while the Mavericks have their bonafide superstar in Luka Doncic. The question is about which superstar can buoy his team to victory.
Dallas comes into this contest on the back of losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Lakers, who were without James and Anthony Davis, failed to close the game against Denver. Now, they look to regain that momentum that threatens to slip away yet again.
With the season hitting the midway mark, the Mavericks are better placed in the West with a 23-19 record and fifth on the standings. The Lakers are still not in play-in contention and have never hit the .500 mark this year. Their next few clashes aren’t exactly the toughest, but they do pose a challenge, especially if James’ workload management kicks in.
On that note, here’s a look at the probable starters, the injury report, and the predictions ahead of the marquee clash between these two sides.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Los Angeles Lakers will have Anthony Davis on the sidelines. Austin Reaves (left hamstring strain) and Lonnie Walker IV (left knee tendinitis) won’t be part of the skirmish. Per ESPN, James and Troy Brown Jr. are listed as probable, while Patrick Beverley (hip) is listed as questionable.
Expect the Lakers to probably bring in Kendrick Nunn in place of Beverley if the latter sits the contest out. The projected starters in the case will be Dennis Schroder (G), Kendrick Nunn (G), Troy Brown Jr. (F), LeBron James (F), and Thomas Bryant (C).
Dallas Mavericks Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
There are quite a few names on the Mavericks’ injury list. Dorian Finney-Smith (right adductor strain), Josh Green (right elbow sprain), and Maxi Kleber (right hamstring tear) are all out of the clash, while center Dwight Powell (hip) is listed as questionable.
In his absence, the Mavericks might slot in Wood at five, bringing in Bertans at the four. The starting five could see Luka Doncic (G), Spencer Dinwiddie (G), Tim Hardaway Jr. (F), Davis Bertans (F), and Christian Wood (C) take the floor.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Predictions
The Mavericks have struggled on the road this season, and while they have had favorable results against the Lakers in recent times, they will need to play hard on the defensive end if they intend to control James, who has been on a tear this season.
Likewise, the injury-riddled LA outfit will have to figure out a way to contain Doncic, and missing Beverley at this point comes as a blow. Much will also rest on Schroder and Bryant, who have been active contributors to the offense. However, they are up against a side that’s proved to be unstoppable once they have the hot hand.
James vs. Doncic will be the contest to watch out for, and it’s all about who has the last laugh. Will it be the veteran or the star who is widely regarded as one of the bonafide future superstars of the NBA? The Mavericks are still favorites to take this one.
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