Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Friday’s NBA matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Anthony Davis wasn’t going to miss this one.

The star big man is expected to return to action on Friday night to face his former team, as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. The NBA Cup matchup marks AD’s first time facing the Lakers in LA since his shocking trade for Luka Doncic last February. 

The Mavericks (5–14, 1–2 NBA Cup) have completely spiraled since the blockbuster trade and have already been eliminated from Cup contention. The Lakers (13–4, 3–0 NBA Cup), meanwhile, have surged under Doncic’s leadership and have locked up West Group B.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Dallas Mavericks

Out: Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Kyrie Irving (knee)

Probable: Anthony Davis (calf)

Los Angeles Lakers

Doubtful: Marcus Smart (injury management)

Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Los Angeles enters as a 9.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Dallas is listed as a +320 underdog. The game’s total is set at 232.5 points.

Mavericks vs. Lakers Preview

Dallas Mavericks Preview

The Doncic deal has completely transformed the Mavericks — in the worst way possible. Davis has played just 14 total games with the franchise due to injuries, and Dallas — just two seasons removed from a trip to the NBA Finals — now owns the worst offense in the sport after trading away its franchise superstar. 

The Mavs score the NBA’s second-fewest points per game on dreadful efficiency, also coughing up the third-most turnovers in the league. Rookie Cooper Flagg has been solid, but nowhere near the franchise savior that they’ve needed him to be.

The outlook is much brighter on the other end, where Dallas boasts the third-best defense in the league. They hold opponents to just 45.2% from the field and 31.9% from deep — the latter being the second-best mark in the league — and rank second in blocks per game. The Mavs have capitalized on defensive stops to create fastbreak opportunities, though their turnover problems have seen them get crushed in transition as well.

Still, Davis should bolster the Mavs on both sides of the floor, as he’s leading the team with 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds across five games this season. The 10-time All-Star can clog the middle or space the floor, injecting this stagnant squad with a spark it desperately needs.

Los Angeles Lakers Preview

As if it wasn’t obvious which team won the trade when it first broke, the point has been hammered home on a nightly basis during Luka’s first full season in Los Angeles. The 26-year-old superstar is averaging a near triple-double with an NBA-leading 35.2 points per game, lifting the Lakers to five-straight wins and the second seed in the Western Conference.

As a whole, LA’s offense has been solid but not great. The Lakers shoot an NBA-leading 51% from the floor, though they rank dead last with just 11 three-pointers made per game — while being clumsy with the ball at times. Still, they find ways to score, powered by the three-headed monster of Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. The trio combined for a whopping 99 points, 24 rebounds, and 22 assists on 57.6% from the field and 52.4% from deep against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.

On defense, the Lakers are hovering around league average. Los Angeles no longer has an elite shot-blocker down low without Davis, an absence that’s exacerbated their rebounding problems as well. Even so, the Lakers protect the paint well enough and shut down second-chance opportunities, while also ranking sixth in steals per game and fifth in points off turnovers. 

Mavericks vs. Lakers Pick, Best Bet

While Friday night marks AD’s return to LA, he won’t be the only one looking to make a statement. Doncic was heartbroken when he got traded away from the Mavs and has famously upped his game against his former franchise. Across two games last season, Doncic averaged 32 points, 11.5 rebounds, and nine assists, and the Lakers won both games.

Flanked by James and Reaves, count on Luka and the Lakers to secure their sixth consecutive win in dominant fashion.

Best Bet: Los Angeles Lakers -9.5 Points (-110)