Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.12.26

Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.12.26

The Dallas Mavericks (19-34) head to the crypto.com Arena this Thursday to face the Los Angeles Lakers (32-21) in a crucial Western Conference showdown. Scheduled for 10:00 PM, this matchup finds both teams navigating significant injury hurdles. While the Lakers look to solidify their playoff positioning, a depleted Mavericks squad is fighting to remain competitive in a hostile road environment.

Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Matchup Preview

Dallas Mavericks Key Stats & Trends

The Mavericks have struggled with consistency, largely due to a rotating lineup. Naji Marshall has stepped up as a primary scoring option, averaging 15.0 points per game, while P.J. Washington provides much-needed glasswork with 7.1 rebounds. Playmaking duties have fallen to Ryan Nembhard (4.9 APG). A bright spot has been Marvin Bagley III, who maintains a solid 12.5 PPG and 10.0 RPG average, providing a double-double threat in the paint. However, their defensive rating has plummeted without their primary rim protectors.

Injury Report Dallas Mavericks

• Cooper Flagg (Out): Flagg (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Lakers.
• Caleb Martin (Day-to-day): Martin is questionable for Thursday’s game versus the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain.
• Naji Marshall (Day-to-day): Marshall is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Lakers due to a left foot strain.
• Kyrie Irving (Out): Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said Jan. 22 that Irving (knee) “probably” won’t be ready to make his season debut until after the All-Star break.
• Dereck Lively II (Out): Lively successfully underwent surgery on his right foot Sunday.

Los Angeles Lakers Key Stats & Trends

The Lakers continue to be led by the ageless LeBron James, who is averaging 21.8 points and 6.9 assists. Even with Luka Doncic sidelined, the Lakers’ offense remains potent thanks to Austin Reaves, who is having a career year with 25.7 PPG. If Deandre Ayton (8.5 RPG) is cleared to play, the Lakers will have a massive advantage in the interior against a Dallas frontcourt missing its defensive anchor.

Injury Report Los Angeles Lakers

• Deandre Ayton (Day-to-day): Ayton (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against Dallas.
• Luka Doncic (Out): Doncic (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Best Bet

Given the Mavericks’ decimated roster—missing Irving, Lively, and potentially Marshall—they lack the depth to contain the Lakers’ perimeter attack. Austin Reaves is in elite scoring form, and LeBron James remains a master at exploiting mismatches. We predict the Los Angeles Lakers -6.5 (Spread) will cover comfortably at home. Furthermore, with both teams missing defensive specialists, expect a high-scoring affair. We are taking the over 232.5 total points as the Lakers’ offensive efficiency should overwhelm the shorthanded Mavs.