"Let the man cook tonight: Headbanded Luka Doncic sends NBA fans into frenzy before do-or-die Game 6 vs. Thunder 

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is preparing for a pivotal Game 6 against the OKC Thunder tonight in Dallas. Ahead of the game, Doncic was seen warming up in photos while wearing a headband, sparking reactions among fans. Doncic has been wearing headbands periodically this season, much to the joy of fans.

For example, in December, amid the Dallas Mavericks losing six of nine games, Doncic donned a headband for the team's clash with the Utah Jazz. In that instance, the young Slovenian star became the first player in NBA history to record a first-half triple double with 25-points.

While Doncic had been seen wearing headbands during practices prior to that, the emergence of Headband Luka was a hit among fans. With his stellar play, many hoped thta he would continue to wear the headband.

Although it didn't become a signature staple and was seen more as something Luka Doncic would do on occasion, he may wear the headband in Game 6. After being seen wearing the headband in practice early Saturday morning, fans began to react to the situation, theorizing that the Mavericks star will wear it in-game.

From the sounds of things, many Mavericks fans were happy to see Headband Luka in full effect at practice.

"Potential Headband Luka with an extra day of rest... Let the man cook tonight!!!" - @VinnyNile (Twitter)

"lets gooo , we win by 100" - @NnkureM (Twitter)

"Man that's wrap , south Dallas Luka is back" - @eg_Oscar23 (Twitter)

One fan did an in-depth breakdown of Doncic's stats with and without a headband.

"Headband Luka: 36.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 10.2 apg, 48.8 fg%, 37.2 3pt%, 61.7 ts%. Luka since taking it off: 31 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 10 apg, 46.2 fg%, 35.8 3pt%, 58.9 ts%. I think I speak for everyone when I say we want headband Luka back." - @IsoHeavy (Twitter)

Others added:

"Luka going for 40 points tonight" - @HypnotoadH (Twitter)

"oh my god i got no idea why he even took it off he literally averaged 37/10/10 for 2 whole months with it" - @KT_3410 (Twitter)

"THIS SERIES IS OVER" - @TheDallasNation (Twitter)

One pointed to the fact that Kyrie Irving is also undefeated in elimination games as another reason they're confident heading into Game 6:

"Headband Luka + close out Kyrie" - @RedPostFacto (Twitter)

One fan used a famous clip of Vince Carter to sum things up:

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Previewing Game 6 of the OKC Thunder-Dallas Mavericks series amid Headband Luka Doncic talk

While talk of headband Luka Doncic has continued to be a major talking point on social media, let's take a look at tonight's pivotal Game 6. As previously mentioned, the Dallas Mavericks are looking to close things out at home, while the OKC Thunder are looking to stave off elimination.

During the regular season, the Mavericks posted a 25-16 record at home, while the Thunder posted a 24-17 record on the road. Given that, it may not appear as though the Mavericks have a big advantage, but as we know, in the playoffs, home court advantage can be an x-factor.

Despite the fact that the OKC Thunder finished the regular season with the best record in the West, it's Luka Doncic and the Mavericks who are the favorites tonight. Per FanDuel Sportsbook, at the time of publication, the Mavericks had -180 odds to win, while the Thunder sit as +152 underdogs.

To simplify these odds, a $100 bet on the OKC Thunder would win back the original bet plus $152 in profit. Meanwhile, it would take a $180 bet on the Dallas Mavericks to win back your money and net a $100 profit.

One of the key reasons why fans may be favoring the Mavericks in the series closeout game tonight is the team's playoff experience. While the OKC Thunder's young roster lacks the playoff experience of a deep postseason run, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks are no strangers to the playoffs.

Factor in a former NBA champion in Kyrie Irving, and it's no surprise that many believe Luka Doncic and the Mavericks can get the job done.