NBA Game Preview: Dallas Mavericks (19-34) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (32-21)

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Game Details

  • Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT local time).
  • Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California.
  • TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video and SportsNet LA.

This Western Conference clash serves as the final pre-All-Star break game for both teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the struggling Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers, firmly in playoff contention, look to rebound from recent losses, while the Mavericks aim to snap an eight-game skid amid a rebuild plagued by injuries. Without star power like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the court, expect a gritty, low-scoring affair dominated by LeBron James and LA’s depth against Dallas’ young core.

The Lakers boast a +4.2 point differential per game (estimated from recent efficiency), ranking top-10 in both offense (116.8 PPG) and defense (112.6 PPG allowed). Dallas, conversely, has a -7.8 differential, struggling offensively (113.9 PPG, 25th) and defensively (121.7 PPG allowed, 28th).

Recent Team Forms

Both teams are on the second night of back-to-backs, potentially leading to fatigued play, but LA’s home advantage could shine through.

  • Dallas Mavericks (Last 10 Games: 2-8): Dallas is mired in an eight-game losing streak, with poor shooting (45.9% FG) and turnover issues (14.8 per game). Key results:
    • Feb 10: L 111-120 @ Phoenix (inefficient 3-point shooting at 32.3%).
  • Feb 7: L 125-138 @ San Antonio (allowed 58% opponent FG).
    • Feb 5: L 123-135 vs. San Antonio (outrebounded 45-32).
    • Feb 3: L 100-110 vs. Boston (held to 41.5% FG).
    • Jan 30: W 114-109 vs. Houston (clutch defense, forced 18 turnovers). Dallas averages 113.9 PPG but dips to 108.7 on the road (5-17 away). They’re 1-4 in back-to-backs, often failing to cover as underdogs (18-18 ATS).
  • Los Angeles Lakers (Last 10 Games: 6-4): The Lakers have alternated wins and losses but maintain strong home form (14-10). They’ve won 4 of their last 6 at Crypto.com Arena. Key results:
    • Feb 10: L 108-136 vs. San Antonio (shorthanded, allowed 136 points).
  • Feb 9: L 110-119 vs. Oklahoma City (poor rebounding, 28-37 boards).
    • Feb 7: W 105-99 vs. Golden State (elite defense, held GSW to 42.5% FG).
    • Feb 5: W 119-115 vs. Philadelphia (balanced scoring, 55.7% FG).
    • Feb 3: W 128-120 @ Sacramento (efficient offense, 52.3% FG). LA averages 115.2 PPG, surging to 122.0 in wins. They’re 18-12 ATS with rest and 4-3 in back-to-backs.

Injury Report

Injuries decimate both rosters, turning this into a battle of benches. Final statuses may update closer to tip-off.

  • Dallas Mavericks:
    • Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain): Out (misses All-Star Rising Stars too).
  • Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery): Out (re-evaluated post-break).
    • Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery): Out for season.
    • Naji Marshall (left foot strain): Questionable.
    • Caleb Martin (left ankle sprain): Questionable.
    • Moussa Cisse/Ryan Nembhard/Miles Kelly: Doubtful (G-League/Two-Way). Dallas is 2-12 without Irving and Flagg combined.
  • Los Angeles Lakers:
    • Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain): Out (fourth straight miss; All-Star status uncertain).
  • Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness): Questionable (missed two of last four). LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart are cleared after recent absences. LA is 5-3 without Doncic this season.

Key Player Matchups

With stars sidelined, focus shifts to veterans and role players exploiting mismatches.

  1. LeBron James (Lakers) vs. PJ Washington (Mavericks): James (24.5 PPG, 8.0 APG) averages 28.0 in recent wins. Washington’s defense (1.2 SPG) could test him, but LeBron’s playmaking exploits Dallas’ weak perimeter (opponents 37.4% from three).
  2. Austin Reaves (Lakers) vs. Klay Thompson (Mavericks): Reaves (18.2 PPG) returns from absence, facing Thompson’s shooting (36.0% 3PT). Reaves’ drives (5.5 APG) vs. Thompson’s off-ball movement could spark a scoring duel.
  3. Anthony Davis (Lakers) vs. Daniel Gafford (Mavericks): Davis (26.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.5 BPG) dominates inside without Lively. Gafford (10.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG) must avoid fouls; Davis averages 30+ vs. Dallas recently.
  4. D’Angelo Russell (Lakers) vs. Spencer Dinwiddie (Mavericks): Russell (17.0 PPG) thrives in transition. Dinwiddie (14.5 PPG) steps up without Irving, but Russell’s efficiency (45.0% FG) gives LA the edge.
  5. Bench Battle: Lakers’ depth (Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie) vs. Mavericks’ youth (Olivier-Maxence Prosper). LA benches average 42 PPG; Dallas 38.

Series History

  • All-Time: Lakers lead 121-58 in 179 regular-season games.
  • Recent: Lakers have won the last 4 meetings, including a 116-110 victory on Jan 24, 2026 (Doncic 33 points). Dallas is 6-14 in the last 20 overall.
  • At Crypto.com Arena: Lakers 14-10 home this season; Mavericks 5-17 on road.
  • Playoffs: Lakers lead 3-1 in series (last: 2011 Mavericks sweep).

Lakers cover in 6 of the last 10 head-to-head.

Betting Trends

  • Spread:
  • Dallas: 23-30 ATS overall, 7-15 ATS on road, 13-9 ATS as +6.5+ underdogs.
    • Lakers: 29-24 ATS, 18-12 ATS at home, 15-9 ATS as favorites.
  • Over/Under:
    • Dallas games: 24-29 to over; averages 235.6 totals.
    • Lakers games: 27-26 to over; lower at home (228.0 averages).
    • Last 10 head-to-head: 2 overs, but recent unders due to injuries.
  • Trends: Lakers 6-4 ATS in last 10; Mavericks 2-8 ATS during streak. Public leaning 70% on Lakers to cover.

Game Odds

Dallas Mavericks              232.5

Los Angeles Lakers          – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 11, 2026