Luka Doncic Inspired For Mavericks vs. Lakers: Stats, Player Props, Odds
NBA fans have been eagerly anticipating this moment. Luka Doncic is set to go up against the Dallas Mavericks for the first time since his major trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Headlining the Luka Doncic return is intensity and personal stakes, as Doncic aims to prove himself against his former squad. He’ll definitely have extra motivation to put on a standout performance against the team that has criticized his fitness and defense since he left.
*Note: Check out both our Mavericks vs. Lakers prediction as well as our NBA best bets today, as both take a deeper look into this matchup!
Mavericks vs. Lakers Game Preview - Luka Doncic's Return, 2/25
Los Angeles comes into this Mavericks vs. Lakers matchup feeling good after their recent 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets, where Doncic shined with an impressive 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are looking to prove that management made the right decision, even though they’re seen as the underdogs. Unfortunately, the other major piece of this trade (Anthony Davis) will not be playing due to injury.
Mavericks vs. Lakers Betting Odds & Lines Today
With the Luka Doncic return at the forefront, Los Angeles is a major favorite going into this game. Let's check out the most recent Mavericks vs. Lakers betting odds from BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Money Line: Mavericks +320 vs. Lakers -425
- Spread: Mavericks +9.5 (-115) vs. Lakers -9.5 (-105)
- Total Points: Over 230.5 (-115) | Under 230.5 (-105)
The Lakers' impressive showing in their last game has reinforced their status as favorites, but the Mavericks have the talent to keep things interesting, particularly if they bring extra motivation and spoil the Luka Doncic return.
Luka Doncic Stats Since Becoming A Laker Alongside LeBron James
Luka's move to Los Angeles has been a journey. He hasn't been as dominant as he usually is, but his latest game showed a possible glimpse of what’s to come. Let's check out the most current Luka Doncic stats from his first four games as a Laker:
- Games Played: 4
- Minutes Per Game: 27.8
- Field Goals: 6.5-16.8 (38.8%)
- Three-Point Shooting: 2.3-8.3 (27.3%)
- Free Throws: 3.8-5.0 (75.0%)
- Points Per Game: 19.0
- Rebounds Per Game: 7.5
- Assists Per Game: 5.8
- Steals Per Game: 1.5
- Blocks Per Game: 0.5
Even though the above Luka Doncic stats are lower than usual for him, scoring 32 points his last time out indicates he could be getting back on track. If the Luka Doncic return against the Mavericks goes well, it would really help show that he's adjusting to playing alongside LeBron James.
Luka Doncic Player Props & Odds Available Tonight Via BetMGM Sportsbook
If you're thinking about betting on how Doncic will do tonight, here are some important player props you can check out, again from BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Points: Over 31.5 (-120) | Under 31.5 (-110)
- Rebounds: Over 9.5 (-120) | Under 9.5 (-110)
- Assists: Over 7.5 (-140) | Under 7.5 (+105)
- Points + Rebounds + Assists: Over 48.5 (-135) | Under 48.5 (+100)
- Three-Pointers Made: Over 3.5 (-145) | Under 3.5 (+105)
- Blocks: Over 0.5 (+135) | Under 0.5 (-190)
- Double-Double: Yes -190 | No +140
- Triple-Double: Yes +320 | No -525
- To Make First Shot Attempt: -110
- Top Overall Points Scorer: -120
How To Watch Luka Doncic Return Against The Mavericks Today
If you're excited to see Luka Doncic return to face his old team, here's how you can watch the Mavericks vs. Lakers game:
- Date: February 25, 2025
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- TV Channels: TNT, TruTV
- Streaming Options: Max, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV
This matchup is definitely one you won't want to miss. Whether you cheer for the Lakers, the Mavericks or just love the NBA, Doncic's first game against his old team shapes up to be quite the spectacle!
Player News
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Damian Lillard has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on blood-thinning medication.
Charania also reported that this is an incredibly quick recovery for Lillard that was made possible by early treatment. It is an excellent development for both Dame and the Bucks. He has been ruled out for Game 1 against the Pacers on Saturday, and they will give him time to ramp up before he returns to the lineup. It’s unclear what that timeline looks like, but Lillard is certainly on pace to return sooner rather than later. Ryan Rollins should continue to start in place of Dame until he returns.
Lonzo Ball (wrist) said he won’t need surgery.
Ball said he is excited for his “first normal offseason in awhile.” He has been plagued by numerous injuries but was able to play 35 games during the 2024-25 season after not playing at all during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Ball was sidelined for all of March and April, but since he won’t require any procedure during the offseason, he should be ready to go for training camp.
Josh Giddey said his hand injury will be a “non-issue” next season.
Giddey said his plan is simply to rest it. Prior to Wednesday’s play-in loss, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Giddey had a torn muscle in his right hand. He played through it and delivered 25 points and 10 rebounds in Chicago’s final game of the season. The injury shouldn’t be a factor in Giddey’s quest for a new contract this summer as he enters restricted free agency. There is a good chance that he remains with the Bulls. That would be great news for his fantasy value as he is coming off the best season of his career.
Devin Carter accounted for 10 points (3-of-5 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 22 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Mavericks.
Carter’s rookie season ended on a positive note individually, as he reached double figures for the fourth time. Offseason shoulder surgery delayed his NBA debut until after the New Year, with Carter playing 36 regular-season games. While he was worth stashing in dynasty league drafts before this season began, the former Providence standout did not deserve a look in redraft leagues. That will likely remain the case next season, but the Kings need to make a decision regarding their head coaching position, as Doug Christie was only the interim. Add in the need for an experienced point guard, and Carter’s fantasy outlook isn’t great.
Keegan Murray recorded nine points (3-of-9 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, one steal, two blocks and two three-pointers in 36 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Mavericks.
Murray recorded a complete stat line on Wednesday, but the impact was muted. That was a fitting end to the season for the Kings forward, whose fantasy value took a significant hit. The signing of DeMar DeRozan during free agency did Murray no favors, and that was also true for the addition of Zach LaVine just before the trade deadline. While he did approach his Yahoo! ADP (87) in nine-cat formats, Murray failed to crack the top-100 in eight-cat. Murray is extension eligible this summer, but the Kings have many questions to answer, including who the head coach will be and the future of lead executive Monte McNair. How that impacts Murray remains to be seen, but he’s worth selecting with a top-100 pick in drafts.
Domantas Sabonis tallied 11 points (5-of-13 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), 13 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 37 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Mavericks.
It’s fitting that Sabonis would finish his season with a double-double, as he recorded 61 during the regular season. However, his impact was limited, with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford combining to control the paint for most of Wednesday’s Play-In tournament matchup. Regarding fantasy value, Sabonis was a top-25 player in eight- and nine-cat formats for the season. However, his value took a significant hit after the trade deadline, with the De’Aaron Fox deal leaving the Kings with two high-scoring wings (Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan) and no legitimate point guard. How Sacramento addresses that decision during the offseason will impact Sabonis’ fantasy value in 2025-26.