All Lakers Expert Predictions For Friday's Mavericks Matchup
Following a bummer of a bout with the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, your Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to bounce back in a big way when they square off against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena, tonight at 7:30 p.m. PT.
The 34-36 Lakers will be missing their best player, All-Star small forward LeBron James. Meanwhile, the 35-35 Mavericks will also be without theirs, All-Star guard Luka Doncic.
Let's make some predictions about the matchup.
1. Will Rui Hachimura continue his recent hot streak?
Prior to his poor showing against the Rockets (he scored just five points on 2-of-5 shooting), the 25-year-old combo forward had scored in double digits off the bench for four straight games, averaging 14.3 points on .639/.545/1.000 shooting splits and pulling down 3.5 rebounds. LA will need some scoring help tonight, and against a lackluster Mavericks front line I think Hachimura will be aggressive.
2. What part of Dallas' game should LA look to exploit?
The Mavericks are now a really poor defensive team, basically all over the floor outside of power forward Maxi Kleber. LA should make sure to penetrate the paint, which it was hesitant to do Wednesday, in exhibiting an over-reliance on outside jumpers.
3. Can LA pull off the W?
I think the Lakers will be highly motivated to win, especially against a Mavericks team missing Luka Doncic. They need this, and will do just enough to succeed -- barely. A victory will get the Lakers just a game below .500.
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