This latest NBA breakdown analyzes tonight's clash at the Crypto.com Arena, where a depleted Dallas Mavericks squad looks to halt their freefall against a Los Angeles Lakers team that, despite missing their biggest star, enters as the heavy favorite.

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NBA / Mavericks vs. Lakers: A Duel of Absences in Los Angeles

February 12, 2026

The nightcap of today's slate brings us a matchup filled with drama. The Lakers (32-21) are looking to shake off a two-game losing streak, while Dallas (19-34) arrives on the brink of collapse with eight consecutive losses, sitting at the bottom of the Southwest Division.

🟣 Lakers: Winning Without the "Wonder Boy"

The Los Angeles squad is experiencing a bittersweet moment. Although they lead the Pacific Division, they face this commitment without their offensive engine, Luka Doncic, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

• Luka's Absence: Losing 32.8 points and 8.6 assists per game is no small feat. The responsibility will shift to the interior game, hoping that Deandre Ayton (game-time decision with a knee injury) can dominate the boards.

• Previous Dominance: The Lakers already know what it takes to beat Dallas this season; they lead the season series 2-0 and are looking for the sweep at home tonight.

🔵 Mavericks: The Dallas Infirmary

If the Lakers are hurting, the Mavs are in intensive care. The Texas franchise will play without their two pillars: Kyrie Irving and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

• Offensive Drought: Without Flagg’s 20.4 points per game, Dallas will have to rely heavily on P.J. Washington and the playmaking of Andrew Nembhard.

• Deep Crisis: The team hasn't won since late January, and their road record (5-17) is among the worst in the Western Conference.

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📊 Team Comparison

Statistic	Dallas Mavericks	LA Lakers
Record	19-34	32-21
Points Per Game	114.1	115.9
FG% (Field Goal)	47%	50%
Current Streak	L8	L2
Favorite (ESPN)	40.8%	59.2%

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📋 Critical Injury Report

Tonight's game will be defined by who is not on the hardwood:

• Dallas: Cooper Flagg (Foot), Kyrie Irving (Knee), and Dereck Lively II (Out for season).

• Lakers: Luka Doncic (Hamstring) and Deandre Ayton (Questionable - Knee).

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💡 Stat of the Day

Despite Dallas' poor streak, the collective numbers are very close (114.1 vs 115.9 average points). The difference tonight will be efficiency: the Lakers are shooting 50% from the field, a lethal advantage against a Mavs defense that allows 117.3 points per contest.