ShotQuality Wire

PREVIEW: The Dallas Mavericks arrive in Los Angeles winless in their first two meetings this season against the Lakers, though they'll attempt to break through despite significant injuries to key contributors. Dallas is seeking to end an eight-game losing streak while preventing the Lakers from clinching the season series. The Mavericks rank third in pace but struggle with a low 35.7% three-point attempt rate offensively, while their defense allows attackers to feast near the rim at the 25th-worst rate. Meanwhile, the Lakers boast elite rim efficiency ranked first league-wide and convert free throws at an exceptional rate, though their perimeter...

PREVIEW: The Milwaukee Bucks arrive in Oklahoma City ranked first in efficient three-point shooting, a critical advantage they'll need against a Thunder defense that allows plenty of perimeter attempts. Neither team will have its star player available, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined for his fifth consecutive game due to an abdominal strain and Giannis Antetokounmpo missing his ninth straight contest with a calf injury. The Thunder bounced back from early losses to defeat Phoenix decisively on Wednesday, while Milwaukee won four of its last five games after dropping their first three without their franchise centerpiece. Oklahoma City's dominance at home contrasts...

PREVIEW: The Portland Trail Blazers arrive in Utah with an impressive 7-1 record against the spread on the road, consistently outperforming expectations despite playing away from home. Portland excels at offensive rebounding, ranking second in the league at 30.9 percent, and launches three-pointers at the third-highest rate in the NBA at 46.7 percent. The Jazz, despite holding home-court advantage, have been vulnerable to opponent covers at Vivint Arena with a middling 5-4 mark at home. Recent history shows these teams playing surprisingly close contests, with the last three meetings all decided by single-digit margins. Utah's offensive game flows through excellent ball...