How about that Kobe Bryant? The league’s best player made a successful return to the court last night, leading his Lakers to a 99-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, even hitting a game winning three-pointer with four seconds remaining. It’s a rare situation for Los Angeles tonight as they find themselves as the underdog, playing at Dallas on ESPN.

The Lakers have not been good as underdogs this season, but they have been effective against the Mavericks. They won both meetings last month, including a 35-point victory at home. A five-point outright win ten days later was their third straight cover in Dallas. The Mavs did win the season’s first meeting, 94-80, on October 30th.

Although the Lakers did upset Dallas the last time these teams played here, they are just 2-5 ATS as an underdog this season, including 0-3 vs. the number when taking three points or less. Under bettors have also cleaned up when the Lakers are in the dog role, going a perfect 7-0.

Making the picture even clearer for totals bettors is the fact that Dallas is 14-5 Under in revenge situations this year.

Another betting situation worth paying attention to is how woeful the Mavericks have been at home this year. Their 6-21 ATS home record is easily a league worst. They are also 0-5 ATS revenging a SU loss as a home favorite.

Despite their various struggles against the pointspread, both teams come in playing well. Dallas has won four straight while the Lakers have won 10 of 13.

The Mavs fourth straight victory left many bettors frustrated, however, as they allowed Indiana to go on a 10-0 run over the final two minutes to earn a push. On the positive side, it was the fifth straight game where Dallas held its opponent under 100 points.

Doing so again would mean that the Lakers are likely to go Under in a seventh straight game.

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