Former Teammates Face Off

Tonight’s prime-time matchup showcases some of the biggest names in the league, including the dynamic duo that combined for a historic championship back in 2016. Quite a lot has changed for LeBron and Kyrie since those days, with Irving struggling to find a new long-term home after leaving Cleveland, and James continuing to further his GOAT case in LA 🐐

• Both LeBron’s Lakers and Kyrie’s Mavs are looking to climb the ranks of a crowded Western Conference. Despite the Lakers’ In-Season Tournament win, Dallas has looked like the superior squad so far this season

• Kyrie’s stellar play has weathered the massive absence of MVP candidate Luka Doncic, who may miss this matchup

While Luka is the clear top dog in Dallas, Kyrie’s recent reemergence as a superstar talent could have a huge impact on Dallas’ future. The Mavs have spent the entirety of Doncic’s young NBA career searching for a suitable co-star for the generational Slovenian talent, and Irving is looking every bit the part of late 🔥

• While Dallas possesses a young roster that’s likely not quite ready for title contention, they have to be pleased with this campaign thus far

• Rookie center Derrick Lively is already looking like a game-changing presence in the middle on both ends, and sweet-shooting Tim Hardaway Jr. has more than stepped up from his usual sixth man role with Luka out 👀

On the LA side, this season has been a massive disappointment following last year’s surprising Conference Finals run. The IST title looks to have largely been an anomaly, as the Lakers have amassed a lowly 6-12 record since their victory in Vegas. It seems pretty clear that this squad will be angling for a blockbuster trade to jumpstart their title odds 🍿

• Ironically, a popular trade target among Lakers fans has been Kyrie, but the Mavs’ success this season makes that unlikely. Instead, it will be stars like Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray whom LA will likely pursue to upgrade their lead guard spot

• With LeBron still improbably staving off Father Time, the Lakers can’t afford to waste this year 💪

Mavs vs. Lakers Betting Preview (subject to change)

• Spread: Lakers -2.5

• Moneyline: Lakers -144, Mavs +124

• Over/Under: 239.5

• When: 8:30PM EST on ABC

Trivia Question: In 2016, LeBron and Kyrie became of two of the three No. 1 picks over the last 30 years to win a title for the team that drafted them. Who was the other top pick to do so?

For My Parlay Gurus

While the Lakers are coming off of an impressive win vs. OKC, I can’t say I understand them being favored in this matchup, regardless of Doncic’s status. I think that the porous defense of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves will allow Irving and Hardaway Jr. to continue their torrid scoring run, and push LA even further toward a game-changing trade 👀

• Mavs +2.5 @ Lakers: -106

• OVER 239.5 Total Points: -110

$100 on this bet would win you $241 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win an Overtime hoodie*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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Trivia Answer: The other No. 1 pick was Tim Duncan, who won a whopping five championships for the Spurs

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