Lakers vs. Mavericks: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The Dallas Mavericks have won seven of eight and four in a row at home. The Los Angeles Lakers have been more like the Ringling Bros. with all of the drama that has recently surrounded the team, though they're still 19-13 on the year.
This one should be fun.
The game certainly isn't lacking for stars or intriguing storylines. Even after beating the Mavs 73-70 in late January, the Lakers must surely still be smarting from last season's playoff sweep at the hands of Dallas. Lamar Odom surely is still stinging from his bitter departure from the Lakers this offseason.
And who can be sure what is going on in Pau Gasol's head these days?
All of that and a duel between Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant makes this a must-watch game between two Western Conference powers.
Where: American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas
When: Wednesday, February 22nd at 9:30 p.m. (EST)
Watch: ESPN (National); FOX Sports Southwest (Dallas); KCAL-LAL (Los Angeles)
Live Stream: ESPN 3; NBA League Pass, prices start at $29.95 per month
Betting Line: DALLAS (-4.5), from Vegas.com
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report (via CBS)
No injuries reported.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report (via CBS)
Out: Delonte West (finger)
What They're Saying
Things have been a bit crazy in Los Angeles recently, prompting the players to hold a much-needed meeting to clear the air. From Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
"It had been a wild few days. Pau Gasol twisted in the trade winds, Kobe Bryant called out the front office, and Andrew Bynum complained publicly about too much time devoted to shoot-arounds.
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What exactly was addressed?
"Bryant and Derek Fisher implored everybody to stop worrying about the front office. Don't be bothered by practice lengths. Be concerned only about games. And winning them.
One person familiar with the informal gathering said it would "hopefully help everyone stick together."
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They'll need that focus tonight against a hot Mavericks team.
Most Important Player: Andrew Bynum
In a game between two excellent defensive teams (Dallas is fourth in the NBA in points allowed, and the Lakers are tied for fifth), Bynum's effort on the block could make all the difference.
In the last meeting between the teams, Bynum scored 17 points and snagged 15 rebounds. If Bynum can get second-chance points and dominate the paint, the Lakers should be able to win another low-scoring affair.
Key Matchup: Shawn Marion (and Dallas' help defense) vs. Kobe Bryant
Mavs owner Mark Cuban has campaigning for Marion to be a first-time member of the All-Defense team this year. Kobe Bryant thinks he should prove he's worthy of the honor by playing him mano-a-mano in the game. From Tim MacMahon of ESPN:
"“Oh, man, I agree,” Lakers star Kobe Bryant said, cracking a grin that dripped with sarcasm. “I think tonight they should not double me at all or zone me. Just play one-on-one because he’s such a great defender that he doesn’t need any help.”
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For what it's worth, Kobe has a lot of respect for Dallas' team defense.
"“They do a great job with their system and covering for each other,” Bryant said. “It’s really about their assignments and how well you execute those and your defensive strategy."
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If Kobe gets into one of his scoring zones, the Lakers are tough to beat. But if Dallas can contain him (and Dirk gets into one of his scoring zones), the Mavs will tilt the advantage in their direction.
Prediction
It's hard to pick against a Dallas team that seems to have hit their stride, especially with all of the madness surrounding the Lakers of late.
Mavericks 86, Lakers 81
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