The Mavericks are coming into this game with a 24-17 record this season and they have won 2 of their last 3 games. They have won 5 of their last 7 games as well but they were also at home for all 7 of those games and are now starting a 2 game road trip here. The Mavs are 11-8 on the road this season but they have not been good recently as they have lost 2 of their last 3 as well as 4 of their last 6 games on the road. They are going up against a Lakers team that is 20-21 this season and they have won 3 of their last 5 games. They are coming off of a 7 point win at home against the Thunder in their last game and will have some confidence coming into this game now. They have been a much better team at home all season as they are 14-7 there and they have won 3 of their last 4 games there as well. The Mavericks have been playing well without Doncic in their lineup but all of those games were also at home and this is going to be their 1st road game without him which is going to be a big blow for the Mavericks here. Even if he does end up playing in this game, the Lakers have still been a much better team at home this season and this is also a revenge spot for them as well. The Lakers have lost both of their games against the Mavericks this season, losing by 2 points in Dallas and by 3 points at home, and both of those games were games that Doncic played in. The Lakers are going to have the motivation in this game whether Doncic plays or not and they will be hungry to get their revenge at home where they have been a different team all season. The Lakers will cover the spread in this game.