Lakers vs. Mavs Preview: Ayton's back with AD's return

Lakers (13–4) at Mavs (5–14) | Game 18 of 82 | Cup Game 4

Where to Watch and What Time

📅 Date: Friday, Nov. 28

⏰ Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. PST

📍 Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, Calif

📺 TV: Prime Video

📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW

Game Preview

The Lakers come into the 18th game of the season riding a five-game win streak (the second time they've done that already) with the third-best record in the NBA that has propelled them to the No. 2 seed in the West at 13-4.

A win over Dallas on Friday can clinch home court in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup after clinching their West Group B with a 135-118 win over the Clippers on Tuesday. They are 3-0 in Cup games.

Although it's their fourth and final NBA Cup game before the quarterfinals, L.A. will not be playing on their Cup court. It is undergoing repairs and should be ready for quarterfinals.

It'll be the Lakers' eighth game at Crypto.com Arena this season, where they have won four straight with a 5-2 record.

Luka Dončić found his groove against the Clippers after going five-for-23 from 3 in his previous two games. He finished with his fifth 40-point outing of the season (43 points) while shooting 50% from the field and making seven 3s on 58.3%.

For the Mavericks, injuries have been a major factor in a lackluster  5-14 start, losing seven of their last 10 games. Their offense, which ranks last in offensive rating, has lacked with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis missing extended time.

With their top two players out, Dallas ranks 29th in the NBA in points a game (109.5), 3-point percentage (31.8%) and turnovers a game  (16.9).

The Mavs will get reinforcements with Davis set to make his return from a 14-game absence and play the Lakers for the first time in L.A. since being traded to Dallas. Davis averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds (in five games) to start the season before going down.

The Opponents' Leaders

In Davis' absence, No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg has been the main focal point for Dallas, second behind Davis with 15.9 points a game, which is second among rookies in the league.

Former Laker Max Christie has been a quiet, reliable piece for the Mavs, starting 16 games for Dallas this season, where he's averaged 12.8 points. P.J. Washington

Injury Report:

Lakers:

Deandre Ayton, who missed the last game due to a knee contusion, was upgraded to available Friday afternoon and will play against Dallas.

Marcus Smart was downgraded from questionable to probable with back spasms.

• Marcus Smart (back spasms): probable

Mavs:

• Derick Lively (foot): Out

• Dante Exum (knee): Out for Season

• Kyrie Irving (knee): Out indefinitely

Threads for the Game

The Lakers will rock their purple Statement Edition threads at home, while the Mavs will wear their white Association unis.

Next Matchup

The Lakers continue their homestand on Sunday against the Pelicans and then host the Suns on Monday.