Maybe what the Dallas Mavericks need right now is a parachute, to slow down their free-fall in the NBA Western Conference standings. The Mavericks have lost six straight games, their last win to Portland back on January 4. Dallas has since dropped to fifth in the Western Conference's playoffs order, but is still holding down second place in the Southwest Division. A win over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday (9 PM ET)would go a long way in restoring some mo-jo back in the Mavericks step. The Lakers however, are not exactly limping into American Airlines Center for the game, having won eight of their last 10 games. Oddsmakers at most offshore sports shops have chalked the Lakers as -3 spreads favorites for tonight's game with a 187 total. NBA betting fans can keep tabs of the most up to the moment NBA Spreads , prior to making their picks.
Early betting trends show the public (70 percent) siding ATS with Los Angeles while 78 percent are making money line wagers the Lakers win SU. Total's betting is showing 66 percent of gamblers are wagering the combined score goes OVER the posted total.
The Mavericks have been a disaster over their last 10 games failing to cover ATS in nine of them. On the year Dallas is still showing a profit ATS at 19-17. However, Mavs backers must look at recent trends in deciding how to bet their money.
The Lakers have been opposite of the Mavericks, winning SU eight of its last 10 games. But like the Mavericks, have not been profitable for backers over that span only cashing ATS in five. On the season, the Lakers are below .500 ATS with a 19-24 record. This trend shows the Lakers have been over lined most of the time.
NBA Pick: The way I see it, playing the Lakers at home could be just what the doctor ordered. Mavericks' players should use this game to rally around – sort of an, "us against the world" approach. I think they get it done and at least keep it close if not pull off an upset. BEST PICK – Dallas +3.
