Lakers a Welcome Opponent for Struggling Mavericks

These last two games have been brutal for the Dallas Mavericks. First came the annihilation at the hands of LaMarcus Aldridge and the Portland Trailblazers, which was followed by the drubbing from Steph Curry and the Dubs. Both on national television, both supremely disappointing.

Dallas was able to muster just 164 total points in the two contests, scoring a season-low 75 against Portland while looking flat and uninspired in the process. It’s been a tough stretch for Dallas, no doubt. Five of their last six games have come against opponents with winning records, and they’ve really missed having Chandler Parsons in the lineup.

So a game against the 16-45 Los Angeles Lakers comes at a great time.

The Mavericks haven’t been able to score at all lately, averaging 91.1 points in the seven games Parsons has been out. And the Lakers can’t stop anyone. They’re giving up 105.8 points a game, worst in the league. Opponents shoot over 46% against them, second-worst. A game against Los Angeles could be what Dallas needs to get back on track on that end.

Dallas has averaged 121 points against the Lakers in their two meetings thus far, but that’s mostly due to the 140-point outburst they had back in November. Pre-Rondo.

Speaking of Rondo, he’s played well since coming back from his one-game suspension. The four-time all-star has averaged 12.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in those four games. He had 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in his lone appearance against the Lakers as a Maverick in December. Expect another big game out of him as he looks to showcase his skills to Mitch Kupchak and the rest of the Laker front office.

Chandler Parsons will make his return from an ankle injury sustained against the Houston Rockets that has kept him out of the last seven games. The offense has really struggled without him and his ability to create, it’ll be interesting to see the effect his return has on things.

These last 18 games will make or break the season for Dallas. If they can get on a roll with everyone in the lineup they could make some noise in the postseason. If they can’t get things together they’ll be a quick first-round exit, or worse, watching from home.

The game tips of at 8:30 PM CT.

Next: Stoudemire Having a Big Impact

Lakers a Welcome Opponent for Struggling Mavericks

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