Game Info: The Lakers (1-0) play the Mavericks (0-1) at the Staples Center tonight. Game will start at 7:30 PM and is available nationally on ESPN. The Mavericks come in with one of the best owners in all of sports in Mark Cuban.
Injury Updates: Pau Gasol, inactive for the first game against the Clippers because of his hamstring, is likely to miss tonight and Sunday’s game as well. Jordan Farmar is also playing with tendinitis in his right pinky toe. For the Mavericks Josh Howard is going to miss the game, as he recovers from off-season ankle and wrist surgery. He is expected to miss about 10 days.
Vegas Odds:The Lakers are an average 8.5 point favorites, with an average over/under of 204.5.
What to look for: Shawn Marion is going to be all over the court at the start of the game. The Mavericks are a run and gun team this year and Marion thrives in those systems (see his Phoenixdays). His stamina, however, is not there yet. He will tire about midway threw the first quarter, and the Lakers, with all their post up options, will wear the Mavericks down. Also look for Mark Cuban, the zealous Mavericks owner, who attends all games home and away with a seat near the court. Cuban is one of the greatest, if not the best, owners in all of sports, right up there with Dr. Buss. His hands on style has turned the Mavericks franchise from one of the laughingstocks of the NBA into an actual contender. Cuban is one of my favorite people, although I hope to see him very disappointed tonight.
Prediction: Lakers get off to a rough start with Shawn Marion running all over the court. As the game progresses, Marion will tire, the Lakers will take control of the game and coast to a victory. 100 – 92
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