NBA Picks: Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 29.7 points in his last three games, which is important to consider when making your NBA picks Tuesday night, as he prepares to face the Los Angeles at Staples Center.

Sports bettors will find that the Mavericks are three-point road underdogs in the pro basketball odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total sits at 207 in the market.

Let's take a closer look at this Western Conference matchup from a betting perspective, while offering up an against-the-spread pick along the way. 

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have won four of their last five games, including a 100-98 come-from-behind victory over the Chicago Bulls as five-point home favorites last Saturday.

Over the last two-plus seasons, the Mavericks are 18-5 as road underdogs against the spread of three points or less.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have alternated wins and losses over their last four games and are coming off a 103-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings as 2.5-point road favorites last Saturday.

Sports bettors will find that the Lakers are 0-2 straight up and against the spread as home favorites of three points or less this season, with the UNDER cashing in both of those contests.

Prediction

I'm going to recommend that readers back the Dallas Mavericks in the opening 24 minutes Tuesday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers will struggle to guard Dirk Nowitzki with Metta World Peace, who is out with a knee injury.

NBA Pick: Dallas Mavericks +1.5 First Half

Follow Jeff Grant on Twitter