Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is set to play against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday after being cleared from the injury report. This comes despite Doncic suiting up in the front end of a back-to-back on Tuesday, where he was ejected early in the Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Is Luka Doncic playing tonight? (April 9, 2025)
Luka Doncic is expected to play tonight against the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic’s return to Dallas is highly anticipated, with the Mavericks expected to honor the former franchise player. His recent form has been stellar, averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in 26 games with the Lakers.
Key stats for Doncic this season:
– Points per game: 27.1
– Rebounds per game: 8.1
– Assists per game: 7.6
– PRA (points + rebounds + assists) average: 43.5
Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff seeding scenario
The Lakers are fighting to secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Their remaining schedule includes games against Dallas, Portland, and Houston. Winning two of these would solidify their position.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks: Team stats
The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are set for a showdown, and a quick glance at their regular season stats paints a clear picture of where each team stands.
The Lakers boast a strong 48-31 record, placing them 3rd in the standings, while the Mavericks trail behind at 38-41, sitting in 10th. Despite the Lakers struggling on the road with an 18-21 record, the Mavs have shown more stability at home, going 21-17. Statistically, the Lakers have an edge in offensive rating (10th), defensive rating (16th), and net rating (14th), compared to the Mavericks who rank 16th, 18th, and 18th respectively. This matchup promises to be a battle of consistency versus resilience.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks previous matchup
In their previous clash on February 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious over the Dallas Mavericks with a final score of 107-99. LeBron James led the Lakers with 27 points, while Luka Doncic dominated the boards with 15 rebounds and also dished out 12 assists, showcasing his all-around game. Despite the loss, Kyrie Irving was a standout for the Mavericks, scoring a game-high 35 points. P.J. Washington added 10 rebounds, and Max Christie chipped in with 6 assists. The game highlighted the star power on both sides and sets the stage for another thrilling matchup between these Western Conference rivals.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks prediction, odds, spread, and best pick for April 9, 2025
What to expect from Doncic tonight?
Despite the emotional narrative, Doncic’s workload and Dallas’ defensive strategy make the under on his PRA a compelling bet. Fans can still expect a solid showing, but a stat-stuffing explosion seems unlikely.