Last season’s champions, the Los Angeles Lakers square off with the Dallas Mavericks for the first time in the regular season. This is the first game of the back-to-back bout that will see the Mavs host the reigning champions.

The Mavericks are looking to improve their 30-26 record to further secure a spot in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Lakers struggle without two of their star players which saw the team fall to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers still struggle to find stability as they wait for the return of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Simultaneously, the Mavs are capitalizing on a healthy squad and the services of star player Luka Dončić leading to the postseason. With that, the NitroBetting new team dives deep and shares key information coming into the Lakers vs. Mavs game, along with the latest odds and betting predictions.

Be sure to check on all the latest Basketball odds and lines at our online Bitcoin sportsbook before placing your bets!

Lakers vs. Mavericks Game Information

Let's fly ? #LakeShowLiftoff pic.twitter.com/Eji8ujxOzA

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 21, 2021

• When: Thursday, April 22, 2021, 09:30 PM ET
• Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
• TV: NBA TV / ESPN
• Radio: 710 ESPNLA (Lakers) / 103.3 FM ESPN (Mavs)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Mavericks -2.5 / OU: 216.0

READ MORE: Suns vs. Celtics NBA Odds, Breakdown and Prediction – April 22, 2021

Why Bet on the Los Angeles Lakers?

So far, the second half of the regular season hasn’t been good to the Lakers. In their last game against the Jazz, the defending champions had to endure a relatively thin lineup after listing Andry Drummond probably for the game. However, the big man was able to play through a bruised toe and managed to score 8 points and record 8 rebounds in his 28 minutes on the floor.

Dennis Schroder is likely to be the point man in this contest, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma, who are happy to take on the scoring load left behind by the two injured superstars.

Schroder managed to collect 15 points and 6 assists in their last outing with the Jazz, while Caldwell-Pope and Kuzma hit double-digits with 15 and 17 points, respectively. But, it was Talen Horton-Tucker who made a significant amount of contribution in their efforts to take down the Jazz, recording 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 28 minutes. These are the players that are anticipated to step up in the upcoming Lakers vs. Mavs game.

Why Bet on the Dallas Mavericks?

The other end of the spectrum shows a very determined Mavs team with a squad firing on all cylinders. This is their best chance at improving their record, and expect the team to make the most of it as the playoffs are fast approaching.

Young star Luka Dončić is expected to take point in as the Lakers vs. Mavs square off. The 6-foot 7-inch guard continues to prove to the league that he is superstar caliber. Despite losing to the Kings in their recent outing, Dončić managed to score 37 points and collect 8 rebounds in 36 minutes.

Dorian Finney-Smith also had a good run with 22 points to his name. Center Kristaps Porziņģis, although in and out with injury, adds plenty of value to the team through his shooting and defensive expertise, contributing 9 points and 11 rebounds against the Kings.

Working next to the aforementioned players are guards Josh Richardson and Jalen Brunson, who delivers quality performances for the team when called upon.

Lakers vs. Mavericks Betting Trends

• The Lakers are 5-5 in their last 10 away games.
• The Lakers are 6-4 against the spread in their last 10 away games.
• The totals have gone over in the Lakers’ last 10 games.
• The Mavs are 4-6 in their last 10 home games.
• The Mavs are 4-6 against the spread in their last 10 games.
• The totals have gone under 7 of the Mavs’ last 10 games.

Lakers vs. Mavericks Expert Betting Prediction

This is a battle between the best Mavs roster and a Lakers roster trying to adjust without their star players. Nevertheless, we foresee a game that will go down to the wire. The Lakers have produced results against big teams without James and Davis, and that is why we should never discount the abilities of the current lineup.

Covering the spread should be possible for the Lakers, and a close win is not out of the picture. Ultimately, this is a game that might go down to the wire, but a Mavs team going all out could be too much to handle for the Lakers if they don’t get off the right foot.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.