Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks: Match Preview and Predictions - 1st November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks
Date and time: Friday, November 1st, 2019, 9:30 PM ET
Venue: American Airlines Centre, Dallas, TX
Last game result
Los Angeles Lakers (3-1): 120-91 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies (October 29th, 2019)
Dallas Mavericks (3-1): 109-106 victory against the Denver Nuggets (October 29th, 2019)
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
The Lakers did not make the 2019 NBA Playoffs. They made dramatic roster changes to ensure they would be competitive for the 2019/20 season. The Lakers swung a deal before the NBA Draft to acquire Anthony Davis. A clearing out of the roster then took place to facilitate the adding of support players to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis win. Early results look good with the Lakers winning three straight games by double-digits at home and Davis dropping MVP like numbers on opponents. The Lakers offenses will also get a boost with the return of Kyle Kuzma Friday night.
Key Player-Anthony Davis
Finally released from what might have been basketball purgatory, in New Orleans, Anthony Davis now has a chance to prove he can lead a team built around him. He has not disappointed yet. This season, he is already averaging 28.8ppg, 12.8rpg, and 3 blocks a game as well. In a 29 point blowout at the Staples center of the Memphis Grizzlies, Davis scored 40 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.If he keep up performances like this, he will be in with shout to take the MVP award.
Lakers Predicted Lineup
Lakers – Avery Bradley, Danny Green, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma.
Dallas Mavericks Preview
The Mavericks started their rebuild last season when they dealt Dennis Smith to the Knicks for Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. to team up with their then rookie sensation Luka Doncic. At the time, Porzingis was recovering from a season-ending injury, but so far in his return, Porzingis is averaging 22.3ppg and 7.8rpg. The Mavericks, 3-1 on the season, are hopeful of a successful season and 2020 playoff run.
Key player- Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis missed last season due to a severe injury but does not appear to have lost a step. He is providing the Mavericks’ sophomore, Luka Doncic, with a much-needed release valve. Porzingis is averaging 22.3ppg and 7.8rpg taking the pressure off his young teammate, Doncic.
Porzingis is not only effective at the offensive end of the floor as he is also blocking 2.5 shots a game, intimidating opposing shooters.
Mavericks' Predicted lineup
Mavericks – Seth Curry, Luka Doncic, Dwight Powell, Kristaps Prozingis, Dorian Finney-Smith
Lakers vs Mavericks Match Prediction
The Dallas Mavericks like to shoot the three-pointer. The Mavs take 86.8 shots per game, nearly 41 of them come from behind the three-point arc. The problem is they shoot it poorly at only 31.3%. Hardaway Jr. and Doncic represent two of five Mavericks shooting three's at under 30%.
The Mavs convert 9.8 offensive boards per game but allow opponents 11 per game. The extra possession or two could help explain their three wins by a total of 18 points and their one loss by two points.
The Lakers have a decided advantage thanks to the Mavericks' weaknesses. In literally all defensive categories including opponents 3-point shooting (28.8%), the Lakers are rated top five in the league. While the Lakers are rated 22nd in scoring, they will have Kyle Kuzma’s skills available for Friday night against the Mavs returning from injury. This should improve their scoring output that averages 109 points per game.
The Lakers also have a lot of size and athleticism at the center position in JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis and its intimidating. The result is eight blocked shots per game.
The Lakers should claim their fourth victory of the season playing on the road in Dallas.
Where to watch Lakers vs Mavericks?
This Western Conference match-up can be seen on tv on Spectrum Sportsnet, ESPN or stream it live online with NBA League Pass.