Los Angeles Lakers (31-43, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (46-29, fourth in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Luka Doncic and LeBron James meet when Dallas hosts Los Angeles. Doncic ranks fifth in the NBA averaging 27.9 points per game and James leads the league averaging 30.1 points per game.
The Mavericks are 33-16 in conference matchups. Dallas is the leader in the Western Conference in team defense, giving up 104.1 points while holding opponents to 45.6% shooting.
The Lakers are 16-28 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles has a 12-17 record in games decided by at least 10 points.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Mavericks won the last meeting 109-104 on March 2. Doncic scored 25 points points to help lead the Mavericks to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 27.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists for the Mavericks. Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 16.7 points over the last 10 games for Dallas.
James is averaging 30.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the Lakers. Russell Westbrook is averaging 18.3 points over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 6-4, averaging 103.6 points, 42.6 rebounds, 20.4 assists, 5.0 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.5 points per game.
Lakers: 3-7, averaging 117.7 points, 41.2 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.8 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr.: out (foot), Sterling Brown: out (health and safety protocols), Theo Pinson: out (finger).
Lakers: Anthony Davis: out (foot), Kendrick Nunn: out (knee). (AP)
(Photo credits to: Mavs Moneyball)