The Western Conference playoff race heats up tonight when the Dallas Mavericks head into La La Land to take on the Lakers. The Lakers sit in third place, 1 ½ games back from New Orleans, while the Mavs sit in seventh with Denver and Golden State close on their heels. BetUS.com is offering the Lakers as 5-point favs over the Mavs with the over/under listed at 209 ½. Get your NBA Pick in now at BetUS.com
The Mavs Dirk Nowitzki returned to the lineup Wednesday to help his team to a 111-86 home victory over Golden State. Dirk had 18pts and five rebounds while Jason Terry was the top scorer with 31pts. Jason Kidd is coming along nicely as a Maverick; he had 17 assists and 11 rebounds. The Mavs offense has averaged 103 PPG in their last five and during their last five road games they’ve averaged 102 PPG for a 2-3 SU record. Their defense has allowed 98 PPG in their last five and during their last five road games they’ve given up an average 101 PPG. Josh Howard has averaged 22pts in his last eight games against the Lakers and Nowitzki is averaging 30pts and 11 rebounds. The last two meetings between Lakers and Mavs have ended with a 4pt difference or less. The Mavs are 16-21 SU on the road.
The Lakers got Paul Gasol back Wednesday for their home game against Portland, which ended in a 104-91 win for the Lakers. Paul Gasol had just 10pts and seven assists while Kobe Bryant was the top producer with 36pts and 13 rebounds. The Lakers are averaging 111 PPG in their last five and during their last five home games they’re averaging 109 PPG. They are 2-3 SU in their last five on home court. Their defense has allowed an average110 PPG in their last five and they’ve given up an average 109 PPG during their last five home games. They are 26-11 SU on home court and 0-4 ATS in their last four games.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
- Mavericks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a S.U. win.
- Mavericks are 5-2-2 ATS in their last 9 Friday games.
- Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
- Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games.
- Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
- Over is 8-0 in Mavericks last 8 games as a road underdog.
- Over is 9-2 in Lakers last 11 Friday games.
GAME: Dallas Mavericks (47-28) at L.A. Lakers Lakers (51-24)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 04 – 10:30 PM EST
LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 209 ½
PICK: Dallas +5 ½
The Bottom Line: I have faith that the Lakers will win, but the last two games have been decided by four points or less. Go with Dallas to cash in on the spread. Get your NBA Pick in now at BetUS.com
