Los Angeles Lakers (34-21) vs Dallas Mavericks (31-27)
Game Info: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 10:00 pm (crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -8 -- Over/Under: 231 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers, currently holding a 34-21 record, are on a two-game winning streak, recently securing a 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets. In that game, Luka Dončić led the team with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, marking his highest scoring output in his past three games with the Lakers. This win was particularly significant as it ended a nine-game losing streak against the Nuggets. Dončić, who recently returned from a calf injury that sidelined him for nearly six weeks, has been working on building chemistry with teammates LeBron James and Austin Reaves. The Lakers currently stand fourth in the Western Conference.
Conversely, the Mavericks, with a 31-27 record, are adjusting to significant roster changes. Following the trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks have faced challenges. Davis, who debuted with a 26-point, 16-rebound performance against the Houston Rockets, sustained a left adductor strain during that game and is expected to be sidelined for at least two more weeks, including the upcoming matchup against the Lakers. In Davis's absence, the Mavericks will rely heavily on Kyrie Irving to lead the offense.
Kyrie Irving Over 25.5 Points
Kyrie Irving has played 46 games for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 24.7 points per game with a field goal percentage of 47.6%. He has also contributed 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Notably, Irving achieved a season-high 46 points in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite facing challenges, including losing key players like Luka Dončić, Irving has been instrumental in keeping the Mavericks competitive.
Kyrie is coming off a slow game where he only put up 17 points but in the three games before that, he scored 30 against the Kings 42 against the Golden State Warriors, and 35 against the Pelicans. With the Mavericks losing Luka and with the amount of injuries they are dealing with Kyrie has had to step up in a big way and become a standout score for this Dallas Mavericks team.
Lebron James Over 7.5 Rebounds
LeBron James has played 51 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 7.7 rebounds per game. This includes approximately 0.9 offensive rebounds and 6.9 defensive rebounds per game. His consistent rebounding efforts have been instrumental in the Lakers' performance this season.
LeBron has cleared this number of 7.5 rebounds in back-to-back games. he has a favorable matchup going against the Dallas Mavericks who are giving up 53.1 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is well above the league average. the Mavericks are also missing their three big men for this game Daniel Gafford, Derek Lively, and Anthony Davis. There should be a lot of opportunities for LeBron to clean up on the glass.
Dante Exum Over 3.5 Assists
Dante Exum is averaging 3.8 assists per game. His consistent playmaking has been a valuable asset to the Mavericks' offense as of late due to Dallas being so shorthanded. He has had four or more assists in seven of his last nine games and is coming off a game where he had five assists against the Warriors. The Lakers are giving up 27.4 assists per game to opposing teams which is the eighth most in the whole league. Expect Exum to have another solid night facilitating the ball.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
