Luka Doncic is set to return to Dallas when the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET. New users can take advantage of a DraftKings promo code offering $300 in bonus bets if their initial $5 wager wins. Alongside this NBA matchup, Saturday night will also feature UFC 324, marking the first UFC event on Paramount+. Using insights from the SportsLine Projection Model and its expert analysts, you can find winning picks for these must-watch events, including college basketball’s TCU vs. Baylor showdown.
The model forecasts the Lakers as 3.5-point favorites to cover the spread, while MMA expert Kyle Marley supports Paddy Pimblett to win by submission against Justin Gaethje in the UFC main event. New DraftKings users can claim $300 in bonus bets if their first $5 bet is successful. For detailed information, check out the latest DraftKings promo code.
SportsLine’s projection system runs 10,000 simulations for each NBA game and has generated over $10,000 in profits on $100 bets placed on top-rated NBA picks during the past eight seasons. Entering Week 14 of the 2025-26 NBA season, the model boasts a strong 35-15 record on top-rated NBA spread bets dating back to last season, highlighting its reliability for bettors using sportsbooks or betting apps.
Saturday’s top suggested bets at DraftKings Sportsbook include:
- TCU (+4.5) against Baylor (-105)
- Lakers (-3.5) versus Mavericks (-112)
- Paddy Pimblett to defeat Justin Gaethje by submission (+125)
Placing these three picks together in a parlay at DraftKings offers a payout of +789 (bet $100 to win $789). (Odds are subject to change)
TCU (+4.5) vs. Baylor (-105):
Although TCU endured some tough losses on the road recently, the Horned Frogs are expected to halt their skid in this game. SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein notes that Baylor’s home-court advantage has diminished, with the Bears losing three straight home games by double digits, including a defeat to TCU in Fort Worth. TCU holds a strong 5-1 ATS record this season, making them a solid pick. New DraftKings users can earn $300 in bonus bets if their initial $5 wager wins.
Lakers (-3.5) vs. Mavericks (-112):
Luka Doncic has been dominant in recent matchups against the Lakers, averaging nearly a triple-double in three games, all of which resulted in wins for Los Angeles. The Lakers come off a loss to the Clippers but had a 26-17 record going into Saturday, including a 14-9 road record. The Mavericks, standing at 19-26, will be without Anthony Davis due to a finger injury, so Doncic’s trade does not bring Davis back. The model gives the Lakers a 57% chance to cover the spread. New DraftKings users can also benefit from the $300 bonus bets offer.
Paddy Pimblett to defeat Justin Gaethje by submission (+125):
MMA expert Kyle Marley believes Pimblett’s grappling gives him the edge, despite Gaethje being a better striker. Pimblett’s strategy will focus on multiple takedowns per round to control the fight on the ground. Marley suggests Pimblett is on track for a title shot, while Gaethje’s career may be winding down. New users at DraftKings can earn $300 in bonus bets if their first $5 bet wins.
For more NBA, college basketball, and UFC picks on Saturday, SportsLine offers spreads, totals, and moneyline predictions for various sports, all based on a model that runs 10,000 simulations per game.
Fan Take: Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas adds an exciting storyline to this Lakers-Mavericks clash, making it a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts. With expert-backed betting insights and thrilling UFC action on the same night, fans get an action-packed sports weekend that could influence betting trends and spark bigger narratives in both basketball and MMA.
