Lakers vs Mavericks Prediction, Picks & Player Props

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!

Christmas Day basketball has some incredible matchups and it continues this afternoon with LeBron and the Lakers travelling to Dallas to open some presents with Luka.

In this battle of two teams fighting to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference, who’s Christmas will be filled with joy and winning and who will have coal in their stocking?

Here is my analysis, a game prediction and a must bet player prop! Let’s dive into this holiday treat!

Is LeBron enough?

LeBron James has been awesome the past 2 weeks, since the Lakers found out Anthony Davis would be out for an extended period with a stress-related foot injury.

Without Davis, LeBron has been fantastic, scoring 30+ points in 6 straight games but the Lakers are only 3-3 in that stretch.

LeBron is going to need some help, especially against Luka and the Mavs today.

Luka the MVP?

Its hard to find a player that means more to their team than Luka does to the Mavs.

He does it all for Dallas and when he has a good game, the Mavs are in the thick of it and most likely win.

When he is a bit off? The Mavs struggle.

The loss of Jalen Brunson is being felt by this team but Doncic is doing everything he can to pick up the slack; scoring, rebounding and facilitating.

He is going to have to be a one man show yet again at home in this one against the King.

Can Luka be Superman yet again or will LeBron play the Grinch in Dallas today?

Odds

Available at:

BetOnline

Bovada

BetUS

BetMGM

Spread

• Lakers +7.5 (-110)
• Mavericks -7.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Lakers (+245)
• Mavericks (-300)

Total

• Over 232.5 (-110)
• Under 232.5 (-110)

Prediction

With this being such a high total and a marquee matchup on Christmas day, I find it hard to believe that LeBron is going to let the Lakers lose a blowout here.

I think this one is tight throughout and will come down to the wire, with LeBron and Luka going toe-to-toe.

Give me the Lakers to cover here and keep this within striking distance all game long.

Best Bet

Lakers +7.5 (-110)

Prop of the Game

LeBron James o5.5 assists

I like LeBron’s points as well but his assists feel like the safest play here.

Since AD has been out, LeBron has been awesome scoring but also facilitating.

He has 6+ assists in 5 of his last 7 games and 8+ in 4 of his last 5.

I expect LeBron to do everything he can to keep the Lakers around in this one, shooting and facilitating.

Bonus:

Lebron 8+ Assists (+240)

Have a wonderful Christmas Day and I hope you spend the day doing whatever makes you happy.

Enjoy this game and all the other NBA games on today, it should be a great day to kick back and watch a lot of great matchups on one of the biggest days in the NBA season.

Thanks for stopping by! Follow me on Twitter @SweatpantsJesus and @BN_Content for more props, bets, sports news and overall vibes.

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