SPORTS

Luka Doncic: A Defensive Surprise in the NBA

USA, Los AngelesTue Nov 11 2025

Luka Doncic, the Lakers' star player, has been making waves on the defensive end lately. After joining the Lakers last season, he's been a key player, especially with LeBron James sidelined. On Monday, the Lakers face the Charlotte Hornets, and Doncic is expected to play after a light workload on Saturday and a day off.

Defensive Skills Shine

Doncic is known for his offensive skills, but his recent defensive performance is noteworthy. He's snagged nine steals in his last three games. However, the NBA odds have his steals over/under set at 1.5 for Monday, with the Over paying as high as +122. This is one of the top NBA player props for the night.

Betting on NBA Player Props

Betting on NBA player props is a popular way to engage with the games. With odds available for almost every player, it's a great way to add excitement to the matches. The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, helping bettors find value in their picks.

Top Picks for Monday

For Monday's games, the model highlights several player props:

  • Luka Doncic's over 1.5 steals is a top pick.
  • Jalen Duren of the Pistons is another player to watch, with an over/under of 2.5 assists at +130.
  • Deni Avdija of the Trail Blazers is also a notable pick, with an over/under of 0.5 blocks at +127.

Key Factors

  • Doncic's defensive aggression is a key factor in his prop bet. The Lakers are forcing more turnovers this season, and the Hornets are averaging more turnovers than last year.
  • Duren, known for his scoring and rebounding, has been less consistent with assists this season. However, his recent performance suggests a potential regression to his previous assist numbers.
  • Avdija has been a standout player lately, but opponents are trying to get him in foul trouble. His recent games show a mix of fouls and blocks, making his prop bet interesting. The Magic's increased shots blocked average this season also plays into this prop.

questions

    Could the recent surge in steals by Luka Doncic be a result of the referees favoring the Lakers?
    Will Jalen Duren's assists start to rival his rebounds, or will he stick to being a one-man wrecking crew?
    How does the increase in turnovers forced by the Lakers impact Luka Doncic's steal opportunities?

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