This is a 10* TOTAL OF THE MONTH on the OVER Mavericks/Lakers.

In what should be a competitive game, I expect these two teams to push the pace and for this total to fly OVER the number sooner, rather than later.

Dallas is off a 107-101 win over Golden State. The Mavericks have covered in eight of their last ten, but they play with revenge here after falling 107-104 in OT to the Lakers in mid December. Note that the Mavs have seen the total go OVER in eight of their last 11 in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

And for the Lakers, they absolutely need to start winning games, or this LA team won't even make the play-in Tournament.

The Lakers are 0-2 since the All Star break, most recently falling 123-95 at home to lowly New Orleans. Note though that LA has seen the total go "over" the number in ten of its last 12 after a SU/ATS home loss in which it was held to 99 or fewer points in.

Expect this one to sneak OVER the number as the game comes down the stretch.

Good luck, NP