Lakers vs Mavericks Tuesday Prediction | NBA Picks Today, Best Bets

The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are set to square off in a Western Conference showdown on Tuesday night. Both teams have dealt with their own struggles throughout the season, and each squad will be looking to use this matchup as a get-right game on national television. Although the Mavericks are on their home floor, they’ll be without multiple top players, with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Daniel Gafford all being ruled out with injuries for Dallas. Jason Kidd’s team must dig deep to protect their home court.

Lakers vs. Mavericks

• Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas, Texas) | Date: Tuesday, January 7
• Where to Watch: TNT | Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Spread: Lakers -7, Moneyline: Lakers -275, Total: 218.5

Lakers vs. Mavericks Best Bet: Mavericks +7

The shorthanded Mavericks enter this game with no business winning this matchup against a mostly healthy Lakers team. However, that’s precisely why Dallas pulling off an upset has to be considered a realistic possibility. Los Angeles has struggled all season long, losing games they shouldn’t, and the injury-plagued Mavs could be another opponent JJ Redick’s squad overlooks. Even if the Mavericks don’t pull off a win, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Dallas keep this game close enough that the margin of victory is less than seven points.

Lakers vs. Mavericks Best Total Bet: Under 218.5

Both squads have dealt with their fair share of struggles this season, but putting the ball in the hoop has never seemed to be the issue. However, the Mavericks only averaged 106.4 points per contest in their last five matchups. Assuming they continue to have trouble scoring without their stars, exceeding the 218.5 set total could be too tall to overcome. All things considered, take the under.

Lakers Best Player Bet: Austin Reaves 3+ Made Threes +115

Austin Reaves has been one of the more consistent players for the Lakers since signing with Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent in 2021. The Oklahoma product is amid a career year this season under JJ Redick, averaging 18.4 points, six assists, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 44% from field goal range and 36.1% beyond the arc. With 3+ threes in his last two outings, Reaves could be in line for another big game against Dallas.

Mavericks Best Player Bet: Klay Thompson 20+ Points +160

With the Mavericks down multiple key players, this is the perfect opportunity for Klay Thompson to show exactly why he signed with Dallas in the offseason. With increased volume and the ultimate green light to shoot, the sharpshooter could be in line for a big game. Despite not having a 20-point game since mid-December, the Washington State product is due for a big game, and Tuesday’s battle against the Lakers could be the perfect situation.