NBA Christmas Odds: Lakers-Mavericks prediction, odds and pick

Lakers lost 134-130 to the Charlotte Hornets at home on Friday. Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 112-106 in a sloppy victory at the Toyota Center. Luka Doncic had a monster game with 50 points. The Lakers lead the all-time series 115-52. Dallas took two of three from Los Angeles last season. They beat them 107-104 at American Airlines Center in the last game.

The Lakers are 13-19 and last in the Pacific Division. They are 2.5 games behind the last play-in spot in Western Conference. Anthony Davis is out indefinitely with a foot fracture. James averages 27.4 points per game and shoots 49.3 percent from the field. Lonnie Walker averages 15. 5 points and Lonny Walker must elevate his game. Westbrook and Reaves must thrive off the bench. The Lakers will cover the spread if they can distribute the ball and James gets help.

The Mavericks are playing average basketball this season. They are currently 17-16 and would be the eighth seed if the playoffs began today. The Mavs are struggling to shoot, they are 14th from the 3-point line and 26th at the free-throw line. However, the Mavericks control the ball well and they rank second in turnovers.

Lakers are without Davis. The Mavericks are going to win by 10 points.