Mavericks Look To Win Their Eighth Consecutive Game Against Lakers

 

You guessed it, the Dallas Mavericks are in another back-to-back situation beginning Thursday night as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks (9-23) are coming off a loss (season sweep) to the Houston Rockets 123-107, in a game that was flooded with technical fouls. 

 

The Lakers (12-23) are coming off a nail-biting loss to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday 102-100.

 

Dallas looks to continue their winning ways against the Lakers, having won seven consecutive games against the purple and gold. The Lakers have had a horrible month, only winning three out of their last 16 games. 

 

Key Matchups

 

Harrison Barnes vs Luol Deng

 

For many that have watched Luol Deng, it comes as no surprise that he has a great defensive prowess. I expect to see a drop in offense from Deng as he looks to shutdown Harrison Barnes, the Mavericks’ top scorer this year. In return, if Barnes can find a way to light up the field tonight, Dallas should leave the Staples Center with an easy victory.

 

If Jordan Clarkson, Lou Williams, Nick Young, and D’Angelo Russell play in rhythm, it will be a tough one to watch for Mavericks fans everywhere.

 

Injury Report

 

Mavericks

Andrew Bogut – Questionable (Right Knee)

J.J. Barea – Out (Achilles)

 

It hasn’t been announced as of 9:30AM CST, but expect Dirk Nowitzki and Andrew Bogut to only play one of the next two games on this back-to-back road trip. 

 

Lakers

Larry Nance Jr. – Out (Left Knee)

 

How To Watch

 

Catch the game on Fox Sports Southwest at 9:30PM CST or listen locally on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. 

Who's staying up late with us? Mavs continue their 4 games in 5 nights in La La Land. Tipoff for #DALatLAL set for 9:30PM CT on TNT! pic.twitter.com/Lq65Rye2rH

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 29, 2016