Are Lakers the best bet vs. Mavericks? | Chargers' Justin Herbert out for rest of season

Greetings, gamblers.

While football is in our rear-view mirrors for a few days, we've got plenty of action on the agenda on Tuesday. There may only be a five-game slate in the NBA tonight, but it offers some very intriguing matchups. ... Lakers-Mavs! ... Cavs-Celtics! ... Warriors-Suns! ... What's not to love?!? ... Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• Five-star quarterback prospect Dylan Raiolacould reportedly flip from Georgia to Nebraska on National Signing Day.
• Former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard announces commitment to Notre Dame.
• Lions coach Dan Campbell says the team will look to find ways to involve wideout Jameson Williams more in the offense.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

JUSTIN HERBERT WILL MISS REMAINDER OF SEASON

During Sunday's game against the Broncos, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert sustained a fractured index finger on his throwing hand. Herbert was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest, and backup Easton Stick served as the team's signal caller the rest of the way. On Tuesday, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported that Herbert is slated to miss the rest of the season. As a result of Herbert's injury, Stick will serve as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.

Here's more from CBS Sports NFL writer Garrett Podell on why it makes sense for the 5-8 Chargers to shut down Herbert:

• "Given the Chargers tumbling behind six teams that are 7-6 in the AFC wild card standings, it makes sense that Herbert will not play again this season. He departed late in the second quarter with the Broncos ahead 7-0. He threw for 96 yards and an interception on 9 of 17 passing. Longtime backup Easton Stick, a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Chargers, replaced Herbert to enter his second career NFL game. He is expected to start Thursday night against the division rival Las Vegas Raiders, and likely for the rest of the season."
  

Lakers at Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. | TV: TNT

• The Pick: Mavericks +4.5 (-111)
• Key trend: The Mavericks are 4-2 ATS over their last six games.

SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall is 12-3 in his last 15 NBA picks.

"It's not the IST anymore, which the Lakers seemed to take more seriously than anyone else. Though with a few days of rest since the finale in Vegas vs. the Pacers (which doesn't count in the standings), and Dallas off of a game last night, maybe a schedule edge for the Lake Show? The Mavs, however, had a few days of break beforehand, and won their third in a row last night behind Luka's 35 points. The absence of Kyrie Irving is nothing new for the Mavs, who beat the Lakers the night before Thanksgiving in L.A. when Luka scored 30. The value here seems to be on the Dallas side."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "A" pick on the moneyline, while having a "B" pick on the total.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Warriors at Suns, 10 p.m. | TV: TNT

• The Projection: Warriors (+103)| Grade: A -- Strong

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "A" grade on the moneyline with "C" grades for the spread and total for the contest. The Suns are 1-4 over their last five games and will be without star forward Kevin Durant (ankle) for this contest, although Bradley Beal is scheduled to make his return after missing a month with a back injury.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Tuesday night NBA slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

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