Luka Doncic's first game against the Dallas Mavericks since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers was sure to ramp up the tension. The refs had a strange way of trying to manage the heat.

Target the Under for LaMelo Ball's points prop as the Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets pick and prediction for tonight.

The Dallas Mavericks let the Charlotte Hornets hang around a little too long, considering they were missing LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and a lot of other key pieces. But Dallas won 103-96, getting back on track after losing two straight on the West Coast earlier in the week.

It's been a miserable week or so for the Charlotte Hornets, who have made NBA history by having a -131 point differential in their last three games. Things won't get any easier tonight for Charles Lee's squad as they take on Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks.

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball cooked Luka Doncic late in a stunning comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Though unable to bookend their grueling six-game all-West road trip with a victory on Thursday night, the Charlotte Hornets harnessed a much more spirited, competitive effort in a 103-96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.