Mavericks vs. Pelicans prediction, odds, pick, spread

These two teams have been playing similarly lately, with the Mavericks in a slump while the Pelicans have struggled all season. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Mavericks-Pelicans predictions and picks.

The Mavericks have played well overall this year, but have been more inconsistent recently. They are 22-17 years old and have major injuries. Luka Doncic is injured, but Kyrie Irving is expected to return to this game and help Klay Thompson. This is a big game as they need to get back on track and prove they can be consistent against a team that has struggled as much as the Pelicans.

The Pelicans have talent and could have been a wild card in the Western Conference, but they fell off a cliff this year. It’s all up to Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum, and Brandon Ingram is injured. They had so much potential this year, but injuries derailed their season. They are 8-32, and seem healthy and can still win this game and at least try to make their season look respectable.

Here’s Mavericks-Pelicans NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Mavericks-Pelicans odds

Dallas Mavericks: -2 (-110)

Moneiline: -136

New Orleans Pelicans: +2 (-110)

Moneiline: +116

Over: 225.5 (-110)

Under: 225.5 (-110)

How to watch Mavericks vs. Pelicans

Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

TV: Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network/VVUE

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Mavericks could cover the spread/win

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The Mavericks have been excellent on offense this year. They are 10th in scoring at 116.1 points per game, sixth in field goal percentage at 47.9%, and eighth in three-point field goal percentage at 37.4%. Seven different Mavericks have averaged double figures in scoring. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are the mainstays of this offense, but Doncic is still sidelined with an injury. Kyrie Irving should be back in time for this game.

Irving leads the team with 24.3 points per game and 4.9 assists per game. He is leading both going into this game, as Doncic is expected to be out. Klay Thompson should also be massive in this game and carry more goals. This offense has a great matchup against a defense that is as bad as the Pelicans despite Doncic not playing. The Mavericks should have no trouble scoring now that Irving is back.

The Maverick defense has been stout this year. They are 14th in scoring defense at 111.8 points per game, eighth in field goal defense at 45.5%, and 10th in three point defense at 35.4%. down low Derek Lively II leads the team in rebounds with 8.1 per game and in blocks with 1.7 per game.

Lively II was a beast down low and was exactly what the Mavericks needed in the frontcourt. Three players are averaging at least one steal per game, with PJ Washington leading the team with 1.3 per game. The defense takes a hit with Doncic out, but they have the coaches and athletes to slow down a Pelicans offense that has struggled all year.

The Pelicans offense has been poor this season. They are 26th in scoring at 107.7 points per game, 28th in field goal percentage at 44.2% from the field and 23rd in three-point shooting at 34.3% from behind the arc. Nine Pelicans players are averaging double figures in points, with CJ McCollum leading the team with 22.4 points per game.

Dejounte Murray leads in assists with 7.7 per game. Even though Brandon Ingram was injured in this game, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson carry this offense. The Pelicans have plenty of options and balance on offense, even without Brandon Ingram. They should find some success in this game at home, scoring.

Why the Pelicans could cover the spread/win

The Pelicans defense has struggled and been terrible this year. They are 25th in points per game at 117.2, 29th in field goal percentage at 48.4%, and 23rd in three-point field goal percentage at 36.6%. Yves Missy is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.4 per game, and Missy leads the team in blocks with 1.5 per game.

Finally, seven players are averaging at least one steal, with Dejounte Murray leading the team with 2.5 per game. This defense had so much potential, but it just didn’t work this year. They win a matchup against a decent but injured Mavericks team. Still, the Mavericks have Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, which is enough to score on this Pelicans defense, which has faced a revolving door of lineups this year.

Final Mavericks-Pelicans Prediction & Pick

The Mavericks are the best team in this game. Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and the rest of the supporting cast are enough to win and cover against the Pelicans, even without Luka Doncic. The Pelicans’ season has been derailed, and the Mavericks should put another nail in the coffin.

Mavericks-Pelicans Finals Prediction and Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +2 (-110)