The Dallas Mavericks open up a four-game road trip as they visit Los Angeles to take on the Lakers at Staples Center on Tuesday.
The Mavs (1-5) are coming off their first win of the season, which came in the form of an 86-75 overtime victory at home against the Bucks on Sunday. Harrison Barnes poured in a career-high 34 points on 13-of-26 shooting along with eight rebounds in 48 minutes. Barnes came into the game averaging 20 points in his first five games, but broke out for his second 30-point game of the season, something that the Mavs are surely hoping becomes a trend. J.J. Barea was huge in 46 minutes, with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Andrew Bogut hauled in 16 rebounds in his return to the court after missing Friday’s contest for rest. Dirk Nowitzki (sore Achilles) and Deron Williams (strained calf)
were both unavailable in Sunday’s contest, and neither player is likely to suit up Tuesday. The Mavs enter Los Angeles without a road win so far this season and will be up against a Lakers team that has yet to lose at home this season.
The Lakers (4-3) come into this game undefeated at home and winners of three in a row. They are coming off an impressive 119-108 win versus the Suns on Sunday. Los Angeles and its youngsters were able to fend off the Suns, despite a career-high 39 points from Devin Booker and 60 points allowed in the paint. Nick Young led the way for the Lakers with 22 points and seven rebounds. Young is enjoying a renaissance this season and has been a big factor in the Lakers’ early success. Julius Randle finished with 18 points five rebounds and four assists, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 18 points and five rebounds off the bench. The Lakers’ bench contributed 47 points in the win. Larry Nance suffered a concussion after hitting his head on the floor early in the game and will be inactive Tuesday.
