Posted on
4/4/2008 6:20:35 PM
NBA Basketball Betting – Possible Playoff Preview As Lakers Host Mavs
By Eric Williams
The Dallas Mavericks, (47-28 SU, 32-39-4 ATS, 36-37-2 O/U) and Los Angeles Lakers, (51-24 SU, 43-30-1 ATS, 36-38 O/U), are both feeling much better after getting back their respective seven-footers and walking away with victories in their separate contests on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks trounced the Golden State Warriors 111-86 in what may have been their biggest win of the season as Dirk Nowitzki returned from a left leg injury he sustained on March 23 in 88-81 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
"There was already a sense of urgency. ... And then seeing Dirk out there, it was very inspiring," said Mavericks guard Jason Terry. "We were very surprised to see him (start)."
Nowitzki scored 18 points in his return.
"His presence is big on this team and we came out and played hard for him," said Dallas forward Josh Howard. "He showed a lot of energy when he was on the court and that carried over to everyone."
The Lakers are coming off a convincing 104-91 victory in the BetUS Sportsbook over the Portland Trailblazers in which their returning big man, Pau Gasol made his return from an ankle injury he sustained in the Lakers' 108-98 loss at New Orleans on March 14.
Gasol scored 10 points in 32 minutes, adding six rebounds and seven assists and helped the Lakers pull within 1 1/2 games of the conference-leading New Orleans Hornets.
"I think he looked great," said Kobe Bryant, who led the Lakers with 36 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. "He looked good yesterday in practice and he played extremely well tonight."
The Mavericks have covered the spread in just four of their last ten games but have won two straight against the spread while Los Angeles has failed to cover the spread in five consecutive games.
Here’s a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my NBA Betting Picks.
The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a ATS win.
The Mavericks are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a S.U. win.
The Lakers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 Friday games.
The Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a S.U. win.
The Over is 8-0 in Mavericks last eight games as a road underdog.
The Over is 9-2 in Lakers last eleven Friday games.
The Mavericks are 3-7 ATS in the last ten meetings in Los Angeles.
The Underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
Analysis: While I like the Los Angeles Lakers to win this contest, I also believe the Dallas Mavericks are going to cover the spread while possibly winning this game outright. Take the Mavericks and the Over.
NBA Free Picks: Dallas +5½ Points/Over 207 Total Points
10:35 PM EST NBA Odds
Dallas Mavericks +5½ -110
LA Lakers -5½ -110
Over 207 -110
Under 207 -110
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