All Lakers Expert Predictions For LA-Mavericks Rematch

After a longer-than-usual break between games, your Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Dallas Mavericks on the road. The action is slated to tip off at 4:30 p.m. PT on TNT.

LA is still basking in the glow of its In-Season Tournament championship, acquired in a 123-109 shellacking of the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas that more or less felt like a home game.

The Mavericks currently lead the two teams' season series, 1-1, having beaten LA last month in a 104-101 nail-biter.

Dallas, however, just played a hard-fought 120-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies last night, meaning the Lakers will have a massive rest advantage. The Mavs will most likely also still be without Kyrie Irving, who continues to recuperate from a right heel contusion.

Let's answer your burning questions.

The Lakers opened the day as +1 underdogs, although they are now -4.5 point favorites, per The Action Network. Which prognosis is right?

Los Angeles has three huge health questions. Assuming two of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jarred Vanderbilt play tonight (all are questionable to do so), the club should be able to ride its massive size advantage to a win over the Mavs. Look for LA to cover.

How should LA defend Luka Doncic?

With Irving out and Doncic dealing with a low back contusion (he's officially questionable to play, but let's for the sake of this article assume he's suiting up), LA's normally prolific backcourt may be a bit easier to contain tonight. Sharpshooting floor-spacer Seth Curry got the start in Irving's stead yesterday, and though he's an expert marksman, he lacks Irving's versatile offensive bag.

LA power forward Jarred Vanderbilt (himself also questionable, in his case with a low back spasm) logged solid minutes last season against a variety of talented lead guards, including Doncic and Stephen Curry. With Gabe Vincent not expected back until at least next week, it will most likely fall to Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince to handle Doncic. I would avoid sticking Austin Reaves or LeBron James on him, outside of switches.

What kind of an encore can we reasonably expect from Anthony Davis?

The eight-time All-Star center enjoyed his best game of the 2023-24 season thus far, a 41-point, 20-rebound, five-assist, four-block masterpiece against the Indiana Pacers during an In-Season Tournament finale Saturday that won't technically count for the regular season.

Dallas did revamp its frontcourt somewhat over the offseason, most notably with new starting center Dereck Lively III (a 7'1" rookie draft pick out of Duke) and freshly-inked starting power forward Grant Williams. But neither player will be handle to Davis in the post, on either end. Another 20+ point double-double feels likely (he is averaging 22.7 points and 12.7 rebounds on the year, after all), though a repeat performance of Saturday does not.

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!