Luka Doncic’s second reunion with the Mavericks — and his first game back in Dallas — since the shocking trade that sent him to L.A. is the highlight of tonight’s 10-game NBA slate.
This one is a must-see for any hoops fan, as the atmosphere inside American Airlines Center will be unlike anything we’ve seen all year.
In addition to the (deserved) hype around Luka’s homecoming, there’s plenty of on-court intrigue.
The Mavericks (38-41) have nearly secured a play-in spot, but there’s still plenty to play for as they push to overtake Sacramento (39-40) as the 9-seed.
The Lakers (48-31) would finish in third in the West if the season ended today. They have no room for error, though, as the Clippers, Nuggets, Warriors and Grizzlies are all just one game behind LA in the standings.
Lakers vs. Mavericks Odds: Spread, ML, Total
| DK | FD | bet365 | |
| LAL spread | -4.5 (-115) | -4.5 (-115) | -4.5 (-115) |
| DAL spread | +4.5 (-105) | +4.5 (-105) | +4.5 (-105) |
| LAL ML | -205 | -200 | -205 |
| DAL ML | +170 | +168 | +170 |
| Total | 229 (o-110; u-110) | 229 (o-112; u-108) | 229 (o-110; u-110) |
How to Watch Lakers vs. Mavericks
- Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
Best Lakers vs. Mavericks Player Props
Luka Doncic Player Props vs. Mavericks
Below are Doncic’s points, assists and made threes props at FanDuel:
Luka Doncic Points Over/Under vs. Mavericks
- Over 30.5 (-128); Under 30.5 (-104)
Luka Doncic Assists o/u vs. Mavericks
- Over 8.5 (+100); Under 8.5 (-132)
Luka Doncic Made Threes o/u vs. Mavericks
- Over 3.5 (-125); Under 3.5 (-106)
It should come as no surprise that you’re going to have a spend big, and get a massive night from Doncic, to cash in on his points prop.
We shouldn’t rule out a massive night under these circumstances, but even the alt lines — like Luka Doncic 35+ Points (+164 at FD) — are easy to resist at these prices.
If there’s a Doncic prop I like, it’s his assists line at 8.5. He had 12 in the first meeting between these teams, and amid what will likely be another heavy dose of double-teams tonight, Luka Doncic Over 8.5 Assists (+100 at FD) is well worth a 1-unit play.
Anthony Davis Player Props vs. Mavericks
Below are Davis’s points and rebounds props at FanDuel:
Anthony Davis Points o/u vs. Lakers
- Over 26.5 (-114); Under 26.5 (-114)
Anthony Davis Rebounds o/u vs. Lakers
- Over 10.5 (+102); Under 10.5 (-136)
Davis is coming off two big scoring nights, with 27 points vs the Clippers on April 5 and 34 vs. the Hawks on April 2. But in seven games as a Maverick, he’s scored 18 points or fewer four times. So no, I don’t recommend Davis Over 26.5 points, especially not at shorter than -110 odds.
His rebounds prop is tempting, though, as he has averaged 11.9 rpg in 42 games as a Laker this year and 9.6 rpg as a Maverick. Davis (obviously) doesn’t have the biggest chip on his shoulder of anyone in this game, but he does have a point to prove after the Lakers traded him away.
More importantly, he’s got a favorable matchup against a front line that has given up at least 11 boards to an opposing big in four of the last six games, as detailed below:
- OKC C Isaiah Hartenstein (April 8): 15 rebounds
- NO C Yves Missi (April 4): 11 rebounds
- GSW F Draymond Green (April 3): 11 rebounds
- MEM C Zach Edey (March 29): 11 rebounds
With that in mind (not to mention the fact that Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is questionable with a hand injury), we’ll happily take Anthony Davis Over 10.5 Rebounds (+102) — 1 unit.
Lakers vs. Mavericks Prediction, Best Bets
I expect this to be a long night for Dallas and its fans. Obviously, seeing Doncic back in his old arena with his new team will be tough, even if he’s cold from outside (Doncic went just 1-for-7 from 3-point when these teams met in late February for the first time post-trade).
L.A. also is playing well right now. If not for a controversial ejection of Doncic from last night’s Lakers-Thunder game, there’s a good chance the visitors would be coming off back-to-back road wins over OKC.
With Davis, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II all finally back in action, Dallas could have an advantage in the paint, though there’s no guarantee Gafford and Lively will both play substantial minutes.
The Lakers’ advantage in the backcourt is pronounced, though — even if Doncic ends up struggling amid all the noise — so I’ll take the Lakers to cover with ease.
Lakers vs. Mavericks Best Bets:
- Lakers -4.5 (-115 at DraftKings) — 1 unit
- Lakers alt spread -9.5 (+150 at FD) — 0.5 units
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