DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks (23-14) host the LA Lakers (30-7) tonight at the American Airlines Center for a primetime matchup that will be televised on ESPN. The Lakers are currently the #1 seed in the Western Conference Standings, but will likely have to play tonight without Anthony Davis who had a hard fall on Tuesday night against the New York Knicks.
Davis sustained a contusion to his gluteus maximus, but is still traveling with the team and is currently in Dallas. He is listed as questionable for tonight. Davis leads the Lakers in scoring at 27.1 points per game, and also in rebounding (9.4) and blocked shots (2.6).
The Lakers aren’t the only team missing one of its star players though, as Kristaps Porzingis has been out the past five games with right knee soreness. Porzingis is averaging 17.3 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. The last game Porzingis played in was against the Lakers in late December when the Mavs lost in LA. There should still be an entertaining offensive showcase tonight though as Luka Doncic will take on his idol Lebron James.
Doncic is third in the NBA in scoring (29.6) and assists (9.0), while also averaging 9.7 rebounds. James on the other hand is averaging 25.1 points per game, a league-best 10.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds. James has been dealing with flu-like symptoms, but is probable to play tonight.
This will be the 4th time these two teams have played the season, as the Lakers have the advantage 2-1. The Lakers are currently on a 6-game win streak, as they attempt to make it 7 tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:45pm.
