Betting Luka’s return to Dallas: Props that stand out
All eyes will be on Dallas on Wednesday night as Luka Doncic makes his first return to city as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Mavericks. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Lakers (-3.5, 228.5) look to get back in the win column after a 16-point loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday, and currently cling to a narrow one-game lead over the LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoff race. The Mavericks are looking to wrap up the final play-in spot in the West, and trail the Sacramento Kings by one game for the No. 9 seed.
ESPN BET is offering an array of prop bets for the Lakers and Mavericks, and here are betting experts Andre Snellings and Eric Moody with the bets they like most.
For the latest odds, visit ESPN BET Sportsbook.
Bets we like
Luka Doncic over 16.5 assists and rebounds (-130)
Doncic has cleared this line in only two of his last 10 games, but there’s some context to consider. He’s been up against tough teams like the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Golden State and twice against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He still averaged 13.3 potential assists and 12.7 rebound chances per game in 36.4 minutes, which is promising. Doncic finished with 12 assists and 15 rebounds against the Mavericks on Feb. 25, with Dallas throwing double teams at him the whole game. I’m expecting him to put up similar numbers in both assists and rebounds when he plays on Wednesday night. — Moody
LeBron James over 23.5 points (-125)
James is still playing at an elite level and should have a great opportunity to score, especially with the defensive attention Doncic will command. James has cleared this line in three of his last five games, averaging 15.8 field goal attempts per game in 36 minutes. The Mavericks rank 20th in points allowed per 100 possessions. Also, James has gone over this line in four of his last five matchups against Dallas dating back to 2023. — Moody
Anthony Davis over 2.5 first quarter rebounds (-160)
I expect Davis to start fast tonight in what should be a supremely motivated game against his former team. In Davis’s first game with the Mavericks after the trade, he burst out for 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the first quarter against the Rockets as he tried to establish and prove himself in his new environment. I’m looking for a similar start from Davis tonight, in the Mavs’ first home game against the player he was traded for, Luka. I also like Davis’ first-quarter scoring prop (over 7.5 points, -125). Davis enters this game playing at a high level, averaging 30.5 PPG and 12.0 RPG in his last two outings. — Snellings
Source: espn.com