Los Angeles, CA (My Sportsbook) - The
Dallas Mavericks travel to Staples Center for a clash with the
Los Angeles Lakers for what could easily be a preview of a first-round playoff series.
Dallas is currently the top-seed in the Western Conference, but is just one-half game ahead of the red-hot San Antonio Spurs for both the Midwest Division lead and the top overall spot. The Lakers are the sixth seed, one game ahead of the seventh-seeded Utah Jazz. If San Antonio can catch Dallas, the Mavs would face the defending champs in the opening round. Not much of a reward for having the NBA's best record for virtually the entire season.
The Mavericks are coming off a 108-90 win over the Orlando Magic, their sixth The Mavericks are coming off a 108-90 win over the Orlando Magic, their sixth win in eight tries. win in eight tries.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists. Steve Nash scored 28 points and handed out 11 assists in the triumph.
Dallas had a 28-point lead, but nearly squandered it.
"It's never easy to get a big lead, and it is sometimes harder to maintain it," Dallas coach Don Nelson said. "We were able to do it, but it was pretty ugly in the fourth quarter. I'm just happy we got the win and won it decisively."
The Mavs are 26-11 on the road and have a 31-15 mark within the Western Conference.
Los Angeles has won four straight and appears to be rounding into title-defending form. The Lakers are coming off a 115-113 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns. Kobe Bryant made the game-tying shot with 14.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter the game-winner with 28.6 seconds left in the extra session. The equalizer was a 13-foot jumper from the right base line, and the clincher was a 21-footer from the right wing.
"That's what I do, that's my job, man," Bryant said. "Everything seems to stand still. I love that moment."
Bryant finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers, who clinched a playoff berth. Shaquille O'Neal added 22 points and 13 rebounds to the win.
The Lakers are 28-10 at home and have a 29-18 mark within the Western Conference.
