The record shows the Lakers are better than the Mavericks. LA is 12-23. Dallas is 9-23. But what the overall record doesn't indicate is the Mavericks are healthier and because of that are playing better.

After a brutal 3-15 start, Dallas is 6-8 in its last 14 games. The Lakers have been the opposite. They began the year surprisingly well, but are 2-13 this month.

Dallas has owned the Lakers winning the last 11 times. This includes a 109-97 Dallas win at Staples Center last month when the Lakers were playing much better and Dallas was playing much worse.

Andrew Bogut returned to the Mavericks' front line on Tuesday after missing 11 games. He gives Dallas much needed interior toughness. Dirk Nowitzki also is back joining veterans Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes and Deron Williams, who has been playing well.