Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Prediction for Sunday, April 5, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Los Angeles Lakers (50-27, 24-15 away) visit the Dallas Mavericks (24-53, 14-25 home) on Sunday at 7:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center. Los Angeles enters this matchup third in the Western Conference, while Dallas sits 13th and has been eliminated from playoff contention. The Lakers have gone 4-1 over their last five games despite a recent blowout loss, while the Mavericks have dropped four of the last five. Be a winner with our free NBA picks.
Los Angeles Lakers Still Adjusting Without Luka Doncic
Los Angeles enters this matchup at 50-27 after a 139-96 loss to Oklahoma City in its most recent game. Before that, the Lakers won four straight, including a 127-113 win over Cleveland. Austin Reaves and LeBron James are the top two active scorers, but Reaves has had some issues with injuries.
The absence of Luka Doncic is a major factor for Los Angeles. Doncic averaged 33.5 points and 8.3 assists before suffering a strained hamstring in the blowout loss to the Thunder, serving as both the high scorer and playmaker. Without him, the Lakers lose their most reliable shooter and playmaker, forcing others into larger roles.
Los Angeles averages 116.5 points per game and shoots 50% from the field, but the offensive structure is different without Doncic. The team will use more ball movement and secondary scoring options, though execution late in games becomes less consistent without the presence of Doncic, both for scoring and playmaking. Deandre Ayton, who averages 8.2 rebounds, remains important on the interior, especially against a Dallas team that can rebound effectively.
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Injuries: Luka Doncic - Out, Austin Reaves - Day-To-Day, Marcus Smart - GTD
Dallas Mavericks Continue to Struggle Defensively
Dallas enters this game at 24-53 after a 138-127 loss to Orlando, marking its fourth loss in five games. The Mavericks have allowed at least 123 points in four of those five contests, highlighting ongoing defensive issues. Cooper Flagg led the way in the recent loss with 51 points to become the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 50 points, and continues to be the focal point of the offense.
During the regular season, Flagg is averaging 20.3 points per game, while P.J. Washington averages 7.1 rebounds and remains a key contributor when available. Ryan Nembhard, who averages 4.9 assists, is the playmaker of the offense, but Dallas lacks consistent scoring depth beyond its top options.
Dallas is allowing 119.3 points per game this season while opponents are shooting 47% from the field. Even with solid rebounding numbers at 44.7 per game, the Mavericks struggle to limit scoring runs and often fall behind due to defensive lapses. At home, those issues have persisted, making it difficult to control games against stronger teams.
Injuries: Marvin Bagley III - GTD, Caleb Martin - GTD, P.J. Washington - GTD, Kyrie Irving - Out, Dereck Lively II - Out
Lakers vs Mavericks Spread Pick
- Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles has the advantage entering this matchup due to its overall record, recent form, and defensive stability. The Lakers have been more consistent on both ends of the floor, even while adjusting to the absence of Luka Doncic. Dallas continues to struggle defensively, allowing high point totals and failing to limit opposing scoring runs. The Mavericks can generate offense, especially through Cooper Flagg, but they have not shown the ability to sustain defensive stops over four quarters. Los Angeles will create scoring opportunities through LeBron James and Austin Reaves, and take advantage of defensive breakdowns. Dallas would need a high-scoring performance and improved defensive execution to stay competitive, but recent trends do not support that outcome. The Lakers are in a stronger position to control the game and secure the win on the road.
Lakers vs Mavericks Over/Under
- Over
Both teams have shown trends toward higher-scoring games. Los Angeles is averaging 116.5 points per game, while Dallas allows 119.3 points per game, one of the highest marks in the league. The Mavericks’ recent games have consistently featured elevated scoring totals. Even without Luka Doncic, the Lakers will continue to produce offensively, while Dallas games often turn into up-tempo scoring due to defensive struggles. Dallas will contribute enough offensively at home to help push the point total over.
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