The Los Angeles Lakers (2-5) square off with the Dallas Mavericks (2-5) at Staples Center. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 235 points with Los Angeles set as a 7-point favorite.
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers ATS Prediction
Although the Mavericks were topped by the San Antonio Spurs in their last contest, 113-108, they were able to cover as 7-point underdogs. The total points for the game (221) were over the projected point total of 213. One of San Antonio’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-21 (95.2 percent), while the Mavericks were 12-17 (70.6 percent). Luka Doncic led Dallas in scoring with 31 points on 11-for-18 shooting.
In the Lakers’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-120, despite being 1.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (244) were over the projected point total of 239. Minnesota was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Timberwolves made 26 of their 30 free throws (86.7 percent), while the Lakers were just 10-15 (66.7 percent). LeBron James had a good game for Los Angeles, leading the team in scoring with 29 points on 11-for-23 shooting.
This game should be a battle of conflicting tempos. Los Angeles ranks first in possessions per game (103.8) while Dallas is 24th (98.4) since last season.
Although Dallas struggles winning games straight up (2-5 SU), they have a respectable 4-3 record against the spread (ATS). Mavericks games have a tendency to go over the total (71.4 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 2-5 SU and 2-5 ATS. Much like Dallas, games involving the Lakers also have a tendency to go over the total (85.7 percent).
The Lakers won three out of four games against the Mavericks last season. In the last contest, Los Angeles won 103-93. The Lakers had a much better free throw rate (0.286 vs. 0.167) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (17.1 vs. 12.5).
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers ATS Pick
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-5 and Dallas is 16-13.
The Mavericks are 20-33 when they reach the century mark, while the Lakers are 34-34.
Los Angeles ranks second in points in the paint per game (52.8) while Dallas ranks last (39.6).
The Mavericks rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.0) while the Lakers rank 27th (18.1).
Los Angeles ranks third in second chance points per game (14.1) while Dallas ranks 28th (10.8).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (18.1) while the Mavericks rank 27th in fast break points allowed per game (14.5).
Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds per game (46.3) while Dallas ranks 27th (41.5).
The Mavericks rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while the Lakers rank 27th (5.5).
Dallas ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (33.1) while Los Angeles ranks 17th in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
The Lakers average 24.0 assists per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Mavericks rank 17th in assists allowed per game (23.7).
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