Luka Doncic will face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday for the first time since his blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Following a dominant performance against the Denver Nuggets, Doncic is looking to lead his new team to a win against his old squad in what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup.
DraftKings Sportsbook Odds
- Point Spread: Lakers -9 (-112), Mavericks +9 (-108)
- Total Points: 233.5 (Over -112, Under -108)
- Moneyline: Mavericks +310, Lakers -395
Luka Doncic Player Prop Bets
- Points Over/Under: 31.5 (Over -105, Under -125)
- Rebounds Over/Under: 9.5 (Over -120, Under -110)
- Assists Over/Under: 7.5 (Over -140, Under +110)
- Points + Rebounds + Assists Over/Under: 48.5 (Over -120, Under -110)
- To Record a Triple Double: +290
After recording 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in his previous performance, Doncic said he felt more like his usual self. Before debuting with the Lakers earlier this month, he was coming off the lengthiest injury absence of his career—spanning over six weeks. Not only did he need to get back into a rhythm, but he also needed to get used to a whole new team.
“Honestly, I think you could see it with me smiling on the court and having fun,” Doncic remarked. “JJ told me you gotta have one of those blackout moments like you have. I think I had one. I just felt like me a little bit, so I was happy.”
LeBron James praised Doncic’s ability to adapt and take control during games. The two have built a fast connection on the court, with Doncic throwing transition throw-ahead passes to James and finding him in the half-court as plays develop.
“He was very locked in on what he wanted to do out here on the floor tonight,” James said. “Once he started hitting those step-back threes and got to yelling and barking, either at the fans, at us, or himself, he was just dialed in on what he wanted to do and how he wanted to execute his game plan individually.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has emphasized Doncic’s role in controlling the offense. As Doncic continues to gain comfort with the offense, which he admits he’s still learning terminology-wise, there will be a clear hierarchy, with Doncic setting the tone as the initiator.
“I think Luka needs to be the guy that controls the offense, and [LeBron James] and [Austin Reaves], because we’re going to stagger everybody, they’re going to have their times to be on the ball,” Redick said after the win over the Nuggets. “But all three of those guys are very intelligent basketball players, and we can create mismatches. We can get teams in the blender. And a lot of times, that’s how we’re able to generate, I thought, some great looks in the first half — made some early and then went cold. We felt like we were getting good offense throughout the first half.”
The Mavericks know Doncic well, given he played six-and-a-half seasons with them. It’ll be fascinating to see what defensive coverages are deployed and what is considered best to slow him down. Regardless, Dallas does not have size available, with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford all sidelined. Given how talented Doncic is at making plays in the paint and picking apart teams with his passing, not having rim protection could be challenging.
Tip-off is at 9 p.m. CST, and Luka Doncic will aim to make a statement against his former team.
