The NBA schedule resumes after the Thanksgiving break with 11 games tonight, headlined by Luka Doncic’s first meeting with the Dallas Mavericks since last season’s trade that sent him to Los Angeles. The matchup at Crypto.com Arena also places Anthony Davis opposite the Lakers for the first time.
Main attraction: Mavericks at Lakers
• Tipoff: 10 p.m. ET
• Spread: Los Angeles −10.5
• Money line: Lakers −550, Mavericks +380
• Total: 230.5
• ESPN’s Basketball Power Index (BPI): Los Angeles favored by 11 points with an 80% win probability.
Doncic enters the night averaging an NBA-best 35.2 points and nearly posted a triple-double in his last outing against the Clippers. He has paired effectively with Austin Reaves, who is scoring a career-high 27.9 per game. Dallas, meanwhile, expects Davis to play after missing 14 straight contests with a calf issue; Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league defending power forwards.
Fantasy streamers to consider
T.J. McConnell, Pacers (PG, 38.8% rostered)
Averaging 34.5 fantasy points in only 19.2 minutes over his past four games, buoyed by a 25.7% usage rate. Faces Washington’s 29th-ranked defense.
Andre Drummond, 76ers (C, 21.2%)
Joel Embiid’s ninth consecutive absence gives Drummond another start. The veteran has delivered 31 fantasy points in 31.7 minutes on average during the previous eight games and now meets the league-worst defensive unit in Brooklyn.
Anthony Black, Magic (PG/SG, 17.3%)
Orlando’s rookie is logging 30.5 minutes and 34.1 fantasy points per game across six contests, driving an offense that now ranks seventh in efficiency. A tough test awaits in Detroit, which sits fifth in defensive rating.
Jarace Walker, Pacers (PF, 2.8%)
Coming off back-to-back outings of 42 and 34 fantasy points, the rookie appears to have found his footing. Washington’s struggling defense offers another favorable opportunity.
Moody’s preferred wagers
• CJ McCollum Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists (−115)
• Devin Booker Under 24.5 points (−120)
• Jaren Jackson Jr. Under 20.5 points (−105)
• Anthony Davis Over 19.5 points (−120)
• Luka Doncic Over 50.5 points + rebounds + assists (−115)
Tonight’s board at a glance
Cavaliers at Hawks — Cleveland −5.5; total 236.5; BPI favors Cavs by 1.1. Trae Young (knee) is out.
76ers at Nets — Philadelphia −7.5; total 222.5; BPI favors Sixers by 5.1. Joel Embiid (knee) remains out.
Bulls at Hornets — Chicago −2.5; total 248.5; BPI favors Bulls by 2.5.
Magic at Pistons — Detroit −2.5; total 232.5; BPI favors Pistons by 0.9. Paolo Banchero (groin) remains sidelined.
Wizards at Pacers — Indiana −6.5; total 240.5; BPI favors Pacers by 5.5.
Bucks at Knicks — New York −8.5; total 232.5; BPI favors Knicks by 9.3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (thigh) is questionable.
Suns at Thunder — Oklahoma City −14.5; total 225.5; BPI favors Thunder by 16.8.
Spurs at Nuggets — Denver −7.5; total 237.5; BPI favors Nuggets by 7.5. Victor Wembanyama (calf) is out.
Kings at Jazz — Utah −1.5; total 242.5; BPI favors Jazz by 2.7. Domantas Sabonis (knee) is out.
Grizzlies at Clippers — Los Angeles −6.5; total 224.5; BPI favors Clippers by 6.4. Ja Morant (calf) remains out.
The evening’s results will finalize group standings in the third Emirates NBA Cup before knockout play begins next week.
Tipoff times are Eastern.
Source: ESPN
