NBA Predictions: Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday, 10/30/12, 10:30 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: Los Angeles -10
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -9
Opening Total: 187
Current Total: 187
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Lakers Spurs NBA Game Preview — Los Angeles Lakers SG Kobe Bryant may miss this year’s season opener due to injury

Dallas is set to open the 2012-13 NBA season without the services of 11-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, as he recovers from arthroscopic right knee surgery. The Mavericks are 24-21 all-time in regular-season games without his services, while compiling a 691-364 with his presence on the court. “This is what we got,” commented forward Shawn Marion. That’s the way it is.” The franchise has lost all three season openers when taking on Tuesday’s opponent. Dallas is 6-4 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points the last two years, with the OVER going 6-4 in those contests.

The Mavericks open up the year with a back-to-back, as they travel to take on the Utah Jazz after leaving Southern California. Dallas posted a 7-15 record in the first half and 13-9 in the second half in this given situation a year ago. One of the key lineup changes for this franchise in the opener will be Eddy Curry getting the start at center for Chris Kaman, who will be sidelined by a strained right calf injury.

Los Angeles has compiled a 16-4 record in its last 20 home openers, while the team has won 17 of its last 20 season-opening affairs overall. The Lakers could be without star guard Kobe Bryant, who sat out Sunday’s practice with a strained right foot he hurt a full week ago. “He hasn’t really talked about it,” commented Lakers center Dwight Howard. He averaged 27.9 points in 38.5 minutes a season ago. Los Angeles is 17-26 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points the last two years.

The Lakers have won 20 of 24 regular-season meetings against the Mavericks inside the Staples Center. Los Angeles will have a couple new pieces on the court in this affair, including Howard and former Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, who enters the year fifth on the league’s all-time assists list. “Everybody on the starting five has led their own team and been the go-to guy,” stated Metta World Peace this week. “It’s unbelievable.”