Daily NBA Betting Picks – Mavericks Host Lakers In Biggest Western Conference Game

The return of Dirk Nowitzki was supposed to cure the problems of the Dallas Mavericks in basketball betting picks, but they’re still struggling with him back in the fold. The German sharp shooter was even ejected in his first game back after scoring 7 points in 15 minutes. He came roaring back two nights later to register 32 points…in a loss to Detroit.

Dallas is now 0-6 SU and ATS in their last 6 games and have failed to find the chemistry that made them such a standout team. When a star player bows out to injury most of the time, it causes the second and third stars on the team to step up and take a bigger role. That in turn is supposed to pay off big dividends for the team down the long run as they have more scoring options with confidence.

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That’s not exactly what’s happened to Dallas, and the biggest issue is that they don’t really have anyone behind Dirk to take over the scoring load in a typical way. Sure Jason Terry can light up for a billion points on any given night, but that’s hardly a reliable trend in NBA betting picks to gamble your money on. Caron Butler (lost for the season due to injury) was essentially supposed to be that guy.

Los Angeles Lakers (31-12) vs. Dallas Mavericks (26-14)

Wednesday, January 19th — U.S. Airways Center — 9:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Lakers -3.0 (187.0)

Whatever is ailing Dallas is hardly affecting the Lakers despite some awkward and apparent struggles this season. The Lakers are a stiff 8-2 SU this season but have been winning a lot of close games. As a result of that, they’re just 4-6 ATS since New Years.

Dallas plays defense on Kobe Bryant extremely well. He’s averaged just 16.3 points in his last four games against them, and while you can make an argument that Dallas will definitively step to deliver a stomach punch since they hate the Lakers so much, that’s overshadowed in my eyes by their 2-8 SU record when playing the Lakers.

A tight number on this game benefits the Lakers in NBA betting picks and I’ll take them in the win and the cover over a Dallas team I have no faith in right now. I don’t typically love betting on the Lakers but on the road I think they have decent value, especially in this matchup.

Furious NBA Betting Picks – Lakers -3.0 (UNDER)

BONUS PICKS!

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS -6.5 over Minnesota Timberwolves

I am all about the Clippers right now, and the Timberwolves are just 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games. I’m not sure what’s happened to Michael Beasley in general, but I’d prefer to stay away from this team. They don’t have a power-forward that can stop Blake Griffin who is on an absolute tear right now. Side with the Clip Show as they’re 5-1 SU and ATS in their last 6 games.

Oklahoma City Thunder +3.5 over DENVER NUGGETS

The Thunder are a strong 4-1 SU in their past 5 games, but their 2-4 ATS record in their last 6 road games can muddle things as well. A loss to the Lakers has to have them frustrated, but no team is more anxious about the immediate future than the Denver Nuggets. They’re a great home team, and are 6-1 SU in their past 7 stands at the Pepsi Center, but these trade rumors are killing Melo and without him at full strength mentally I can’t encourage an NBA betting pick on their side.

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