LeBron vs. Luka Injury Update: Both OUT for Lakers vs. Mavs? Top 3 Bets

LeBron James vs. Luka Doncic Injury Update: Both OUT for Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavs? Top 3 Bets

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks hit the road to take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. ... with some uncertainly surrounding the availability of the two generational superstars.

The Mavs held off the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, 125-120, after a disappointing loss to the undermanned Pelicans over the weekend. Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. both eclipsed 40 points to lead Dallas in the win.

"It was a hell of a homestand – 5 and 2. That's a positive. That's big no matter who you beat or who you lose to," Jason Kidd said after Monday's win. "When you protect home like that, that's a good sign -- especially with the health that we have. It's whoever can play, next man up. "

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The Lakers are coming off an impressive win on Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-105, to snap a two-game skid. James and Anthony Davis combined for 52 points, 22 rebounds, and 11 assists in the victory. 

Notable Injuries

Mavericks: Derrick Jones Jr. (right calf contusion) and Grant Williams (right ankle sprain) are probable. Luka Doncic (right ankle sprain) is questionable. Dante Exum (right plantar sprain) is out.

Lakers: Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain) is probable. LeBron James (left ankle) is questionable. Cam Reddish (left knee effusion) is out.

Check out the the betting lines and player props below, courtesy of SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point Spread: Mavericks (+3.5) / Lakers (-3.5)

Money Line: Mavericks (+135) / Lakers (-175)

Over/Under: 243.5

Player Props / Our Picks

Luka Doncic O/U 17.5 Rebounds + Assists: Over

Doncic is questionable to play after missing the last three games due to a right ankle sprain. In two matchups against the Lakers this season, Doncic is averaging 9.0 rebounds and 12.5 assists, including dishing out 17 dimes in December's contest. Look for that to continue on Wednesday.

Luka Doncic O/U 3.5 3PM: Over

Doncic is hitting four 3-pointers per game this season and was averaging just under five makes from downtown in the last eight games prior to his ankle sprain. Take the over.

Mavs' Upgrade Injury Status for Luka Doncic, Derrick Jones Jr. Before Lakers Matchup

Anthony Davis O/U 40.5 Points + Rebounds: Over

Davis is playing some of his best, most healthy basketball of his career this season, averaging 25.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Fresh off a 27-point, 15-rebound performance on Monday, along with dropping 37 points against Dallas last month, look for AD to dominate on Wednesday.

Prediction: Dallas has won both matchups so far this season by a total of five points. With both Doncic and James listed as questionable, this game is truly up for grabs. Take Los Angeles -3.5 to get a clutch time victory at home.



Published
Michael Mulford
MICHAEL MULFORD

Michael Mulford is a writer/editor for Dallas Basketball, where he extensively covers the Dallas Mavericks. He also covers the Chicago Bulls as the Managing Editor for Bulls Wire of USA Today Sports Media Group. Mulford grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and graduated from the University of North Texas in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Event, and Sports Management. He began his pursuit of sports writing in 2017 with Dallas Sports Fanatic, where he covered the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, Texas Legends. He then became the Managing Editor of Dallas Sports Fanatic just one year later and has covered the Mavericks as a credentialed media member since 2018, including covering numerous playoff games between 2021-22 and covering the team at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in 2019. In his time covering the Mavericks, Mulford has conducted numerous interviews for exclusive stories including with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, former Maverick and current VP of Basketball Ops Michael Finley, former Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson, and more. You can follow and interact with Mulford on Twitter at @TheMulf.