Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans: Match Preview and Predictions - 3rd December 2019
Match details
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans
Date & Time: Tuesday, 3rd December 2019, 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Last game result
Dallas Mavericks (13-6): 114-100 win against the Los Angeles Lakers (1st December, Sunday)
New Orleans Pelicans (6-14): 104-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder (1st December, Sunday)
Dallas Mavericks preview
The Dallas Mavericks started the season mildly, going 6-5 in their first few games, and looked all set to occupy a low playoff seed, something which was expected of them. Then, Luka Doncic decided to simply obliterate all of his opponents and as a result, Rick Carlisle's men have now won 7 of their last 8 games, including a blowout win against the Lakers at the Staples Center. This team is running high on confidence and the Doncic-led offense – with the best offensive rating in the league – can pummel through any franchise at the moment.
Key player - Luka Doncic
It's all about the Luka Doncic show in Dallas right now. The Slovenian averaged a 30-point triple-double in November. Nobody imagined that someone would put up 30.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game in his sophomore year but that's just how good Luka is. And he's just 20 years old! He's single-handedly made the Mavs look like contenders so far.
Mavs predicted lineup:
Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr, Dorian Finney-Smith, Kristaps Porzingis, Dwight Powell
New Orleans Pelicans preview
To say that the Pelicans have missed the services of 2019 NBA Draft No.1 pick Zion Williamson would be an understatement. Having said that, Alvin Gentry's men aren't as bad as their current record suggests. They still have the 7th best offensive record in the league and Brandom Ingram is certainly having a career year. However, despite having good defenders on their roster, the Pels have simply leaked too many points, especially down the stretch - the main reason why they lost their last two fixtures, both against the OKC Thunder.
Key player - Jrue Holiday
While the Pelicans have surely had trouble protecting their basket, Jrue Holiday has remained an elite defensive presence. Holiday is averaging 19.4 points per game so far this season but more than his production on offense, Alvin Gentry would be hoping that Holiday is able to contain Doncic, which could pave the way for an upset win for the Pelicans.
Pelicans predicted lineup:
Lonzo Ball, JJ Redick, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Jahlil Okafor
Mavs vs Pelicans match prediction
It goes without saying that the Dallas Mavericks are too dependant on Luka Doncic right now for their offense. Kristaps Porzingis hasn't shown his best version yet and a bad night for the 2019 Rookie of the Year could spell trouble for the Mavs. However, they are riding on some really good momentum right now and irrespective of the Slovenian's performance, the Pelicans have way too many gaping holes in defense right now. Expect Rick Carlisle's men to squeeze out a win in this one.
Where to watch Mavs vs Pelicans
This Western Conference match-up will be broadcast nationwide on TNT. The game can also be live-streamed via the NBA League Pass.