Injury-Plagued Mavericks Look to End Losing Streak Against Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks, in the midst of their longest losing streak in four seasons, will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night in a critical Western Conference matchup. With injuries mounting, the Mavericks are hoping to avoid a sixth straight loss and a repeat of their worst stretch since early 2021. Lakers vs Mavericks NBA Prediction 1/7

Mavericks Struggling Without Luka Doncic

Dallas has gone 1-5 since losing superstar Luka Doncic to a left calf strain on Christmas Day. Doncic, the team’s leading scorer (28.1 points per game), rebounder (8.3), and playmaker (7.8 assists), will remain sidelined until at least the end of January as he continues to recover.

The Mavericks’ injury woes deepened on Monday when it was announced that Kyrie Irving, the team’s second-leading scorer (24.3 points per game), will miss at least a week due to a bulging disk in his back. Compounding the team’s struggles, center Daniel Gafford left Monday’s 119-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies after spraining his left ankle in just eight minutes of play. Head coach Jason Kidd later indicated that Gafford is expected to miss time.

Dallas Searching for Offensive Answers

With their two stars sidelined, the Mavericks will lean heavily on role players to steady the ship. Klay Thompson (14.2 points per game) and P.J. Washington (12.8 points per game) are tasked with carrying the scoring load. On Monday, Washington led Dallas with 17 points, while Naji Marshall contributed 16 and Thompson added 15.

The Mavericks will need more consistent production across the board to compete, particularly against a Lakers team that boasts a formidable frontcourt.

Lakers Look to Rebound After Loss to Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers had won seven of their previous nine games before falling 119-115 to the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Despite a valiant second-half comeback in which they outscored Houston 66-52, the Lakers couldn’t overcome a 22-point deficit and dropped the first leg of their two-game Texas road trip.

Anthony Davis continues to be a dominant force for Los Angeles, recording 30 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks against the Rockets. Davis is averaging 26.0 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, with his 2.2 blocks ranking third in the NBA behind Victor Wembanyama (4.0) and Walker Kessler (2.5).

LeBron James remains a steady contributor with 24.0 points per game, while Austin Reaves adds 18.4 points per contest.

A Crucial Matchup for Both Teams

Tuesday’s game marks the first meeting between Dallas and Los Angeles this season. The Mavericks have had recent success against the Lakers, winning seven of their last nine matchups since March 2022. However, the current injury-riddled roster will face an uphill battle to extend that trend.

The two teams are set to meet again on February 25 in Los Angeles before another showdown in Dallas on April 9. With both squads jockeying for playoff positioning, each game in the season series will carry added significance.

Can Dallas Stop the Slide?

For the Mavericks, halting their five-game skid will require a collective effort from their depleted roster and an improved defensive performance against a Lakers team led by Davis and James. On the other hand, the Lakers will aim to capitalize on Dallas’ injuries and bounce back from their Houston loss to keep pace in the Western Conference standings.

Fans can expect a high-stakes battle at the American Airlines Center as the Mavericks fight to turn their season around while the Lakers look to solidify their momentum.

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