This is an 8* on DALLAS

Compared to the Lakers, Dallas has a very similar point differential and net efficiency rating. However, they are lagging well behind in the standings. The Mavericks have fallen all the way down to 6th place in the West, seven games back of LA. It was a tough loss on Wednesday as they fell here at home, 107-106 to Denver. That makes tonight's game even more important. The Mavs have caught a big break in that Anthony Davis is out (tailbone) and LeBron James hasn't been feeling well. So it's a game the Mavs really should win. The Lakers haven't lost since Christmas, going 6-0 since, so you couldn't fault them if they failed to match the sense of urgency Dallas has coming into tonight's showdown. Key here is that the Mavericks were favored against Denver on Wednesday. They are a perfect 9-0 ATS this season when coming off a loss as a favorite! While just 2-3 straight up their last five games, all three losses by the Mavs have been by five points or less. They are better than their record and actually one of the top teams in the league. Play on DALLAS


AAA