Game Preview: Pelicans vs. Mavericks
As the New Orleans Pelicans (22-46) gear up to face off against the Dallas Mavericks (23-45) on Monday at 8 p.m. EDT, they aim to extend their current home winning streak to five games. This contest marks the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with New Orleans having claimed victory in their previous encounter, taking a 119-113 win on December 23, thanks largely to a 24-point performance from Zion Williamson.
Team Performance Metrics
In terms of performance metrics, the Pelicans currently sit 13th in the Western Conference standings and hold a record of 6-8 against divisional rivals. They excel in offensive rebounding, ranking fourth in the conference with an average of 12.4 offensive boards per game. Yves Missi has been a key contributor in this aspect, averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds per game.
On the other hand, the Mavericks are positioned at 12th in the Western Conference, with a divisional record of just 4-10. Dallas leads the conference in scoring during fast-break situations, averaging 17.7 points, led by Cooper Flagg who contributes 3.4 fast-break points per game. However, the Mavericks have struggled with their overall scoring, averaging 105.5 points per game over their last ten outings, as opposed to the Pelicans’ 118.9.
Key Players to Watch
New Orleans boasts a solid perimeter game, sinking 11.2 three-pointers on average per game this season. However, they face a challenge against Dallas, who allows their opponents 12.5 makes from beyond the arc.
Key players to watch include Trey Murphy III for the Pelicans, who is averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, alongside Saddiq Bey who has been averaging 19.2 points and 5.3 rebounds over the past ten matchups. For Dallas, P.J. Washington stands out, averaging 13.9 points and 7.0 rebounds, while Cooper Flagg contributes an average of 13.0 points and 4.9 rebounds in the same span.
Recent Form and Injury Concerns
In terms of recent form, the Pelicans have shown resilience with a 6-4 record in their last ten games, showcasing an impressive shooting percentage of 47.0%. Conversely, the Mavericks have faced challenges, falling short with a 2-8 record and a shooting percentage of 43.8% during that period.
Injury concerns haunt both teams, especially the Mavericks, who will be without Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season due to a knee issue, alongside Dereck Lively II being sidelined for the entire season with a foot injury. The Pelicans also have Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day due to a toe injury, which could affect their line-up for this critical division clash.
