The New Orleans Pelicans kick off a long seven-game road trip this Tuesday, as Zion Williamson and company pay the Dallas Mavericks a visit. The Mavs are on a roll, while the Pelicans are looking to stop their skid. Who gets the W?
Catch this game live on Tuesday, January 12, at 9:30 AM, Manila time
HOME TEAM: Dallas Mavericks (4-5, 2-3 at home)
The Mavericks have seemingly found their groove after a topsy-turvy start to the season. By beating the Orlando Magic at home last Sunday, 112-98, the Mavs have managed to extend their unbeaten streak to three game. They also gone 3-0 against the spread during that stretch.
And it could get even better for Dallas, as Kristaps Porzingis looks like he has a serious shot at playing his first game of the season this Tuesday.
Porzingis is listed as probable for the Pelicans game. His presence should be a huge boost for Dallas’ offense that is averaging 1110.0 points on 46.0 percent shooting from the field. A return by Porzingis would also come at the right time for the Mavs, as big man Maxi Kleber out for up to two weeks due to COVID-19-related issues.
At the end of the day, it’s going to be Luka Doncic running the show for Dallas. Doncic had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Magic, while Tim Hardaway Jr. will look to build off on his 36-point explosion in that game when they take on the Pels.
ROAD TEAM: New Orleans Pelicans (5-4, 2-1 on the road)
The Pelicans are coming off a 118-110 loss at home to the Charlotte Hornets last Saturday. Since the calendar flipped to 2021, New Orleans has gone just 1-4 straight up, with losses to the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder as well.
Zion Williamson mostly had his way against Charlotte’s defense, scoring 26 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field while grabbing eight rebounds in 34 minutes of action. He may have to do more this Tuesday against Dallas, with Steven Adams in danger of sitting out that game.
Adams is dealing with migraines and currently has a questionable label. The Pelicans are also hoping that JJ Redick has finally broken out of a slump and would show consistency going forward.
Redick had his best game of the season since the Pelicans’ season opener in December during the loss to Charlotte, as he dropped 17 points with four 3-pointers in 19 minutes.
The Pelicans, who are averaging 107.1 points per game, have seen the total hit the over in all of their last four outings.
PREDICTIONS:
The Mavs continue on their cruise control, with Luka Doncic leading Dallas to a 114-109 win over the Pelicans.
