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New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
Star power will be limited when the New Orleans Pelicans visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries and trying to halt early-season struggles.
New Orleans (1-6) snapped a six-game skid Tuesday with a 116-112 win over Charlotte. Trey Murphy III led the way with 21 points, and Jose Alvarado added 18 off the bench. Rookie Derik Queen posted 12 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, providing a spark the team needed.
Dallas (2-5) dropped its fourth straight Monday, falling 110-102 to Houston. P.J. Washington delivered 29 points and 12 boards, but without big men Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, the Mavericks were out-rebounded 54-40.
Both sides enter this matchup looking to stabilize before their seasons slip further out of rhythm.
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Line Movement and Odds
Dallas opened as a 7.5-point favorite (-108) with a total of 226.5, and the line has remained steady at most sportsbooks. The Pelicans sit at +7.5 (-112) on the road, and sharp money has leaned slightly toward New Orleans after the injury news for both teams.
Public tickets are about 58% on Dallas, while sharper bettors have targeted the under after an early move from 228.0 to 226.5.
Track real-time changes at the NBA scores and odds page
Matchup Breakdown
Pelicans Outlook
New Orleans ranks third in blocked shots and has improved its defensive rebounding with Queen’s addition. Despite Zion Williamson’s absence, they’ve shown grit behind Murphy, Alvarado, and Saddiq Bey. The Pelicans’ bench production has been one of the few bright spots, outscoring opponents’ reserves in three of their last four games.
To stay competitive, New Orleans needs to push the pace and keep turnovers under control — they average 14.8 per game, among the worst in the league.
Mavericks Outlook
Dallas continues to rely on P.J. Washington and rookie Cooper Flagg, who’s showing flashes of potential despite shooting just 38.8% from the field. The Mavericks’ offense ranks sixth in pace and eighth in free throws made per game, but they’ve struggled on the glass and in transition defense.
Without Davis and Lively, they’ll need efficient shooting from Washington and Max Christie to avoid another home setback.
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Injuries and Conditions
New Orleans Pelicans
- Zion Williamson (hamstring) – Out (1-2 weeks)
- Larry Nance Jr. (ankle) – Questionable
- CJ McCollum (conditioning) – Probable
Dallas Mavericks
- Anthony Davis (calf) – Out
- Kyrie Irving (knee) – Out
- Dereck Lively II (knee) – Out
- Dante Exum (knee) – Questionable
Review updates on the New Orleans Pelicans team page and Dallas Mavericks team page
Game will be played indoors at American Airlines Center.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games against Dallas and 3-1 ATS this season as road underdogs. Dallas has failed to cover in four straight contests.
Projection: Mavericks 112, Pelicans 106
Best Bet: Pelicans +7.5
Secondary Lean: Under 226.5
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