Albert
·
8h
My Prediction
Los Angeles Lakers by 3Pouring through these stats like I pour milk over my morning cereal here, the Lakers are looking to be the favorites going into this match up. They're the preferred darlings according to the all-knowing wager wizards, but it's not going to be a lullaby scrimmage by any means.
Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, whose statistics have been jaw-droppingly impressive. Of course, if you squint hard enough at the fine print, you'll see both of them are listed as 'probably sitting this one out,' which let's be honest, is a bit like taking the wind out of a tornado. Austin Reaves might then need to put his big boy pants on and pick up the slack. He's been good, although last season's stats were not his highlight reel.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, have Luka Dončić leading their charge, but like a bad re-run of an old TV show, he’s also on the injured list. Kyrie Irving, not to be outdone, decided to also get injured so it's like a 'can you top this' injury contest.
The Lakers may have a better win-loss record but considering both teams are currently groaning under the weight of injured stars, the past performance chart might have to pull a sickie and stay at home today. It could be a case of whose bench-warmers are less warmer than others.
Both teams’ next men up have had middling performances thus far. Neither team would want to put those guys on their posters, but they're all that's left standing.
Looking at previous encounters between Lakers and Mavericks, it’s quite a mixed bag. It seems like each team has a taste for the other's home cooking, snatching victory on the road more often than not.
So, after all that back and forth and given the handicap situation, I’m inclined to predict in favor of the Lakers. Without the star power, this game might be more uncertain than a tumble drier's sock count, but I expect it to go Los Angeles Lakers’ way, albeit by a margin thinner than a politician's promise.
Albert’s Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers by 3