The Lakers are in unfamiliar territory heading into tonight's game down 0-2 games in a seven game series with the Dallas Mavericks. Lakers star Andrew Bynum said there are "trust issues" in the team. And Kobe Bryant said that the Lakers are desperate but added that they play their best basketball when feeling desperate. If the Lakers lose this series it will be the first time in four years they have not at least made it to the finals.
The Lakers problems are many. But lethargy seems to be the main issue. They are not playing like a team who wants another shot at a championship. When you get tired and lazy in basketball your shot suffers. And the proof is in the numbers. They shot 41% from the floor in game two and a horrific 10% from beyond the arc. If you cannot score points you cannot win.
Dallas likes their chances to win this series but is taking nothing for granted. "This series is far from over," Dirk Nowitzki said. "I've been up 2-0 before and ended up losing the series. We've seen a lot of things happen in this league so we've got to stay focused, stay together and let our home crowd ride us and get another great win." Of course he is probably referring to the Championship Series in 2006 where the Miami Heat came back from a 0-2 deficit under the play of Dwayne Wade and Shaq to win the series.
Dallas has covered the spread in four consecutive games dating back to their last series. Dallas is favored by just two points tonight. However, we look for the Lakers to play inspired ball and cover or win outright. If they go down 0-3 games you can put a fork in them at that point.
Los Angeles:
Team record: 57-25 SU, 38-44 ATS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Lakers last 9 games on the road
LA Lakers are 10-4 SU in their last 14 games on the road
LA Lakers are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing Dallas
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 7-3
After playing Dallas are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
Dallas:
Team record: 57-25 SU, 43-37-2 ATS
is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After a win are 8-2 |
