The 2025 fantasy baseball season is heating up, but all eyes are on the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks as they prepare for a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night. Luka Doncic is set to face his former team for the first time since joining the Lakers. Tipoff at Los Angeles is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, promising a game filled with tension, talent, and entertainment.
In a significant turn of events, Christie, who was part of a blockbuster trade, has been performing exceptionally well for Dallas. He has consistently logged 30-plus minutes in every game with the Mavericks so far this season, showcasing his resilience and skill. Before his first injury absences this season, Christie had impressive averages of 5.7 free throws on 7.0 attempts per game, underscoring his contribution to the team's performance.
On the other side of the court, Doncic recently returned from a calf injury. His minutes were initially limited to ensure a cautious return to form; however, he has played over 30 minutes in his last two outings, signaling his readiness for a full-fledged return. When Doncic has played 35-plus minutes over the last two seasons, he has averaged an impressive 34.2 points per game (PPG), 9.5 rebounds per game (RPG), and 9.8 assists per game (APG), making him a formidable force to reckon with.
Kyrie Irving, known for his aggressive scoring style, has been pivotal for the Mavericks amidst numerous injuries within the team. Although he managed only 17 points in their last blowout game, he averaged an astounding 35.7 PPG in the three games prior, scoring at least 30 points in each. Irving is also facing a revenge game narrative on Tuesday against the Mavericks, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Defensively, the Mavericks are likely to deploy their larger wings such as Dante Exum, Max Christie, and Naji Marshall to impose more physicality on Doncic. Meanwhile, the Lakers are expected to counter with Austin Reaves or Max Christie, although neither is known as a standout defender.
Doncic typically excels at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line when he's both healthy and focused, and this ability will be crucial against the Mavericks' defense. With both Doncic and Irving carrying compelling narratives into this game, fans can expect an intense and competitive battle on both ends of the court.
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