Number two in the West
The Dallas Mavericks come in as winners in each of their last four games, averaging 118.3 points and 16 threes per game in that span. At 15-6, they are now number two in the Western Conference standings along with the Denver Nuggets.
It’s been a smooth ride for the Mavericks when they are pitted opposite the Pelicans. They won on October 25th, 123-116, and then again this past week, 118-97. As always, Luka Doncic will be the main man of the Mavs. He’s dropping 30.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game on the season and has compiled a 29-14-7.5 stat line in the two contests with New Orleans.
Hopefully, though, Doncic’s deemed sidekick, Kristaps Porzingis, will come out aggressive, especially since no Mav outside Luka being consistent. He has been off as of late and has only chipped in 15.5 points and five rebounds against the Pelicans.
The Mavs are 7-4 at home this season.
Losing streak piling up
The New Orleans Pelicans stretched their losing streak to seven following Friday’s 139-132 overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns. They are now 6-16 on the season and rank 14th in the West.
Brandon Ingram (25.2 PPG) and Jrue Holiday (19.2 PPG, 6.9 APG, 2.1 SPG) will remain as the two main weapons of the team, but note that the latter has only shot 34.5% in two games against the Mavs this year. JJ Redick, meanwhile, will look to continue his presence from beyond the arc. He’s been productive ever since getting inserted in the starting line-up 13 games back. In that span, he’s scoring 19.4 points and knocking down 4.2 threes per game.
Lonzo Ball will be in his fourth game back from a groin injury. He notched season-highs in points (20) and assists (11) in their defeat versus the Suns, so it will be intriguing to see if he can build off something from that.
Still, there are few reasons to believe that the Pels can finally solve the Mavs – if there are any – as the defense has had zero answers for Luka Doncic. Adding to that is the consistent struggle outside of their home floor, which is quite evident in the appalling 0-16 road record this season.
PREDICTION:
Luka has another monster game and the Mavericks make the season series three-zip with a 123-110 win.
