This feels like a MASSIVE letdown game for the Lakers off the In-Season Tournament title and LeBron isn't even assured of playing. If the Mavs weren't potentially without half their team, I'd hammer them ATS. So even if LeBron does play, I fully expect a minutes reduction immediately. And if all those Mavs are out led by Luka Doncic, this might be a blowout for LA regardless.

It's not the IST anymore, which the Lakers seemed to take more seriously than anyone else. Though with a few days of rest since the finale in Vegas vs. the Pacers (which doesn't count in the standings), and Dallas off of a game last night, maybe a schedule edge for Lake Show.. The Mavs, however, had a few days of break beforehand, and won their third in a row last night behind Luka's 35 points. The absence of Kyrie Irving is nothing new for the Mavs, who beat the Lakers the night before Thanksgiving in LA when Luka scored 30. The value here seems to be on the Dallas side. Play Mavs

Davis has to be exhausted. He emptied the tank during the in season tourney and should be in a great spot to regress back from his terrific numbers. Let’s fade a very very generous number. Plus his min should come down which help us.

This is a huge number for Anthony Davis who is averaging 35.7 Points + Reb this season. AD was arguably the best two way player in the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament and not only logged big minutes but was the driving force behind the Lakers holding their opponents to under 100 PPG over their last four games. Tonight he will face a poor Mavs D however I just think he's unlikely to play big minutes and it is unlikely he sees similar usage considering this is just another regular season game.

The Lakers will travel on the road to face a Dallas Mavericks team in a back to back spot. Look for the Lakers to continue their momentum from their in-season tournament title. Although the Mavericks have won three straight it’s been against weak opponents in Utah, Portland, and Memphis. Take the Lakers

There is no precedent for judging a potential letdown in the resumption of the regular season after a team wins the NBA Cup. Don't research too diligently; last week's was the first. What we know is the Lakers poured their heart and soul into the tourney, none more so than old guys LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It would be no surprise if both bypass half of this game, maybe more. The Lakes surely can legit start shaving James' and Davis' minutes after the pair of oldies left little in the tank. L.A. has one edge, Dallas having played Monday at Memphis. But the Mavs return home with their third straight W. Their motivation should tower over the chillin' Lakers.