Lakers vs Mavericks Prediction, Picks & Player Props

Written by: Daniel Collins
Last Updated:
Read Time: 3 minutes

nba
Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!
Christmas Day basketball has some incredible matchups and it continues this afternoon with LeBron and the Lakers travelling to Dallas to open some presents with Luka.
In this battle of two teams fighting to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference, who’s Christmas will be filled with joy and winning and who will have coal in their stocking?
Here is my analysis, a game prediction and a must bet player prop! Let’s dive into this holiday treat!
Is LeBron enough?
LeBron James has been awesome the past 2 weeks, since the Lakers found out Anthony Davis would be out for an extended period with a stress-related foot injury.
Without Davis, LeBron has been fantastic, scoring 30+ points in 6 straight games but the Lakers are only 3-3 in that stretch.
LeBron is going to need some help, especially against Luka and the Mavs today.
Luka the MVP?
Its hard to find a player that means more to their team than Luka does to the Mavs.
He does it all for Dallas and when he has a good game, the Mavs are in the thick of it and most likely win.
When he is a bit off? The Mavs struggle.
The loss of Jalen Brunson is being felt by this team but Doncic is doing everything he can to pick up the slack; scoring, rebounding and facilitating.
He is going to have to be a one man show yet again at home in this one against the King.
Can Luka be Superman yet again or will LeBron play the Grinch in Dallas today?
Odds
Available at:
BetOnline
Bovada
BetUS
BetMGM
Spread
- Lakers +7.5 (-110)
- Mavericks -7.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Lakers (+245)
- Mavericks (-300)
Total
- Over 232.5 (-110)
- Under 232.5 (-110)
Prediction
With this being such a high total and a marquee matchup on Christmas day, I find it hard to believe that LeBron is going to let the Lakers lose a blowout here.
I think this one is tight throughout and will come down to the wire, with LeBron and Luka going toe-to-toe.
Give me the Lakers to cover here and keep this within striking distance all game long.

Best Bet
Lakers +7.5 (-110)
Prop of the Game
LeBron James o5.5 assists
I like LeBron’s points as well but his assists feel like the safest play here.
Since AD has been out, LeBron has been awesome scoring but also facilitating.
He has 6+ assists in 5 of his last 7 games and 8+ in 4 of his last 5.
I expect LeBron to do everything he can to keep the Lakers around in this one, shooting and facilitating.
Bonus:
Lebron 8+ Assists (+240)
Have a wonderful Christmas Day and I hope you spend the day doing whatever makes you happy.
Enjoy this game and all the other NBA games on today, it should be a great day to kick back and watch a lot of great matchups on one of the biggest days in the NBA season.
Thanks for stopping by! Follow me on Twitter @SweatpantsJesus and @BN_Content for more props, bets, sports news and overall vibes.
Also, I host a Twitter Spaces every Thursday evening and Sunday morning to go over the slate of games and talk about my best bets!
You can also tune in LIVE on Twitch every Thursday morning and Sunday morning for MORNING COFFEE! A live betting show to go over the slate of games for the day and find the best play and props of the day!
I want to hear your best plays as well and discuss the winning moves! Come hang with me and find the value! Look forward to seeing you on Twitch or in Twitter Spaces! Thanks for stopping by and as always, Peace and Love.

Daniel Collins is a sports fanatic and data-driven bettor. He has expertise in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. He’s a big fan of the Titans #titanup, Predators #predators and Arsenal #coyg. If he isn’t watching, betting on or writing about sports, he loves the outdoors, traveling, strong coffee and delicious food. You can follow him on X @SweatpantJesus. Peace and Love
Daniel Collins is a sports fanatic and data-driven bettor. He has expertise in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. He’s a big fan of the Titans #titanup, Predators #predators and Arsenal #coyg. If he isn’t watching, betting on or writing about sports, he loves the outdoors, traveling, strong coffee and delicious food. You can follow him on X @SweatpantJesus. Peace and Love
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
Latest on Betting News

NFL Betting News
Thursday Night Football: Giants vs 49ers, Prediction & Picks: San Francisco Cruises at Home
Nate Hornung

NCAAF Betting News
BYU vs Kansas Football Prediction, Odds & Picks: Will the Cougars Capture Their Big 12 Opener?
Eddie Griffin

NCAAF Betting News
#22 UCLA vs #11 Utah Week 4 Prediction, Odds & Picks: Brace for a Pac-12 Shootout
Devon Platana

NCAAF Betting News
NCAAF Week 4 Must Bet Player Props: Shall We Keep the Heater Going?
Nate Hornung

NFL Betting News
Patriots vs Jets Week 3 Prediction, Odds & Picks: New York’s Curse Continues
Devon Platana
Free Betting Picks