Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 14/01/2024, 23:56  by Joseph King | Modified on 15/01/2024 at 00:04 in NBA Predictions

The second game of the NBA’s packed MLK Day celebration sees the Dallas Mavericks hosting the New Orleans Pelicans for the second time in the last three days. Dallas sits seventh in the Western Conference with a 23-17 record while the Pelicans sit just above them in fifth with a 24-16 mark. The Mavericks will be looking for revenge on their home court after falling to a hugely disappointing 118-108 loss on Saturday. It was the team’s second loss in the last three games and they’ll be desperate to finish off their lengthy homestand with a victory. This is the seventh straight home game for the Mavs who have gone 4-2 during the stretch. Dallas was without star Luka Doncic in their most recent defeat but were still powered by Kyrie Irving’s 33 points. The former Cavalier, Celtic and Net has been red-hot since returning from injury and is averaging 36.3 over the last four games.

As for the Pelicans, the 10-point win over Dallas on Saturday was a fantastic result that is sure to boost team morale given how shorthanded they were. New Orleans was without Zion, Ingram and McCollum yet still managed to secure their seventh win in the last 10. A career-high 34 points from Jordan Hawkins along with six other players hitting double-digits showcased a supreme team performance. The Pels are putting together an impressive season and look like they could do some damage in the postseason if they can stay healthy. They rank sixth in the NBA in adjusted net rating (+4.4), ahead of teams like the Bucks and Clippers. New Orleans can put a bow on what would be an excellent five-game road trip where they have won three and lost just once.