New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks: Prediction, starting lineups, betting tips | Jan. 13, 2024

The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA regular season game on Saturday. This will be the third matchup between the two teams in the 2023-2024 NBA season.

The Mavericks won four of their last five games, with most recent one against the New York Knicks (128-124) at home. Meanwhile, the Pelicans lost their last game against the Denver Nuggets (125-113).

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks: Preview, betting tips, predictions

The Pelicans and the Mavericks, both tied for sixth place in the Western Conference at 23-16, will face off on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The game will be aired on the Bally Sports networks in New Orleans and Dallas with a live stream on NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Pelicans (+115) vs Mavericks (-135)

Spread: Pelicans +2.5 (-110) vs Mavericks -2.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): 229.0

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks: Preview

Both teams split their first two meetings this season, a two-game set in New Orleans last November.

The Mavericks won the first game, 136-124, but the Pelicans ripped them, 131-110, in their rematch two nights later.

The Mavericks won four of their last five games, and following the Pelicans' loss against the Nuggets on Friday night, both the Mavericks and the Pelicans are now tied for sixth place in the West.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks: Starting lineups

Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram were all cleared to play in the end for the Pelicans in a national television game against the Nuggets as projected by this writer after they were initially listed as "questionable" for the said game.

The said players have been taken out of the Pelicans' injury report for the game against the Mavericks, which means they are expected to start anew along with Herbert Jones and Jonas Valanciunas.

Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr., who combined for 76 points for the Mavericks against the Knicks despite Luka Doncic's absence, are projected to start against the Pelicans with Doncic sitting out anew. Dwight Powell, Josh Green, and Derrick Jones Jr. will man the starting frontcourt.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks: Key players, betting tips

Kyrie Irving exploded for 44 points for the Mavericks against the Knicks, which brought joy to those who bet for him to go over his prop.

With Doncic still out for Dallas, Fan Duel believes Irving could be out for another impressive offensive performance against New Orleans and is projecting him to go over the prop. However, Points Bet thinks Irving will go under the prop.

Meanwhile, following a 30-point performance against the Nuggets despite the losing effort, Fan Duel also sees Zion Williamson going over his current prop.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks: Predictions

The betting line opened with the Mavericks as -135 favorites over the Pelicans (+115 underdogs).

Despite the game happening in Dallas, the Mavericks could be in for a grind against the Pelicans as further evidenced by Mavericks just being -2.5 favorites.

Another factor here is the absence of Doncic, although Irving and Hardaway could carry the fight again for the Mavericks. You could make an argument to bet on the Pelicans by a close margin on this one.