The Dallas Mavericks enter tonight’s matchup desperately trying to halt an eight‑game losing streak, while the Los Angeles Lakers look to rebound after being forced to field a skeleton lineup in their previous outing. Injuries dominate the storyline on both sides: Dallas remains without Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, while the Lakers’ availability for Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and DeAndre Ayton remains uncertain after all three missed their last game.
Despite the absences, the Lakers still hold a strong position in the Western Conference standings and have been far more consistent than Dallas. The Mavericks, meanwhile, continue to struggle defensively, allowing nearly 120 points per game during their current skid.
Game Details
Date: February 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 p.m. EST
Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, CA
TV/Streaming: Prime Video
Odds: Lakers -7.5 (line varies by book), O/U not firmly set as of latest reports
Team Form & Recent Results
Dallas Mavericks Recent Form
- Dallas has lost eight straight games and sits at 19–34 overall.
- The Mavericks fell 138–125 to San Antonio in their last outing, allowing the Spurs to shoot 55.6% from the field.
- Injuries continue to pile up, with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving both sidelined.
Los Angeles Lakers Recent Form
- The Lakers are 32–21 and fifth in the Western Conference.
- They were blown out 136–108 by the Spurs while missing nearly their entire starting lineup, including Dončić, LeBron, Reaves, Ayton, and Smart.
- LA remains strong at home with a 14–10 record.
Key Storylines
- Injury Uncertainty: Will the Lakers get any of their stars back? Dončić has missed three straight games.
- Dallas’ Defensive Collapse: The Mavericks are allowing nearly 120 points per game during their losing streak.
- Previous Meeting: The Lakers won the last matchup 116–110 on January 25 behind 33 points from Dončić.
Players to Watch
Dallas Mavericks
P.J. Washington — Dallas’ leading rebounder (7.1 RPG) and one of the few consistent contributors during the team’s slump.
Los Angeles Lakers
Austin Reaves — If he returns, he becomes LA’s primary creator with Dončić uncertain. Reaves is featured prominently in player props and expected usage.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
The Lakers average 115.9 points per game, slightly below the 117.3 Dallas allows, suggesting LA’s offense should find favorable matchups even if short‑handed.
Dallas scores 114.1 points per game on 47% shooting, but their defensive issues, particularly in transition and rim protection, have been costly. LA shoots nearly 50% from the field, giving them a clear efficiency edge.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
Expect the Lakers to lean heavily on ball movement and paint scoring, where they average 51.5 points per game, led by Ayton when healthy.
Dallas will likely rely on perimeter shooting and pace to compensate for missing creators. Their 15 made threes in their last game show they can stay competitive if they get hot from deep.
Prediction
Prediction: Lakers 118, Mavericks 109
Even with injury uncertainty, the Lakers’ depth, home‑court advantage, and Dallas’ defensive struggles point toward LA controlling the matchup.
How to Watch
TV channel/Local broadcasts: Prime Video
Streaming: Prime Video
Radio: Local team radio networks (Lakers Radio Network / Mavericks Radio Network)
FAQ SECTION
Q: What time is the Mavericks vs. Lakers game?
A: Tipoff is at 10:00 p.m. EST.
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: The Lakers are favored by approximately 7.5 points.
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: At Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Q: What are the betting odds?
A: Lakers -7.5 (line varies), moneyline and O/U not firmly set as of latest reporting.
Conclusion
Tonight’s matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions: the Lakers fighting to stabilize their rotation and maintain playoff positioning, and the Mavericks searching for answers amid an extended losing streak. If LA regains even part of its starting core, it should have a decisive advantage. Dallas will need a near‑perfect shooting night to keep pace with a Lakers team that thrives at home and has a clear efficiency edge.
