A disappointing first half for the Mavericks (19-34, 12th in West) comes to a fitting end tonight at the Crypto Center. Although Luka Doncic is out, the Lakers (32-21, 6th in West) still have plenty of star power taking the floor. For LeBron James and company, this is a chance to enter the All-Star break with some momentum.
Which players will shine under the bright lights of Hollywood? The Lakers are favored by 7.5 points (-108) over the Mavericks, with the over/under set at 235.5 points. Here are the two top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s Dallas vs. Los Angeles matchup.
Mavericks vs. Lakers prop bet picks
P.J. Washington 7+ rebounds (+103)
At this point, there aren’t many proven names left on this depleted Mavericks roster. One player most fans could recognize is P.J. Washington. The veteran has been a steady presence over the last three years in Dallas. This season, he’s posted 14.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He’s in store for a larger workload this evening, as Cooper Flagg (foot) is sidelined. That leaves the Mavs with limited depth in the frontcourt, a dangerous place to be against the Lakers.
Washington, 6’7″, has taken major strides as a rebounder recently. In 23 of his 38 appearances this season, the Kentucky alum has snagged at least seven boards. Typically, Los Angeles is one of the NBA’s better rebounding teams. However, there’s a chance Deandre Ayton (knee) sits out tonight. Even if the center does take the floor, he’ll be at less than 100%. Washington has snagged at least eight rebounds in four of his last six meetings with the Lakers. Given the lack of size at Dallas’ disposal, the big man is due for a busy evening on the glass.
LeBron James over 14.5 assists + rebounds (-105)
As previously mentioned, Luka Doncic (hamstring) won’t take the floor on Thursday. As a result, control of Los Angeles’ offense rests on LeBron James’ shoulders. Even at 41 years old, the future Hall of Famer remains one of the sport’s ultimate stat-stuffers. Over 35 games, LBJ is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists while shooting 50% from the field. Granted, James’ scoring output often varies depending on the level of competition. Regardless, the four-time MVP usually makes his presence felt in some way on the court.
Even if buckets are difficult to come by, LeBron should have a major impact on this one. The Mavericks are giving up the tenth-most points (117.3), third-most rebounds (56.3) and 11th-most assists (27.2) per game to opponents. That’s before factoring in the absence of Flagg, a terrific two-way player. James has tallied at least 16 assists + rebounds during his last two outings. Those games came against quality defensive units in Oklahoma City and Golden State. In comparison, a showdown with the underhanded Mavs should feel like a walk in the park. Expect a vintage performance from this all-time great tonight.
