Pelica Debrief
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Pelicans vs. Mavericks NBA expert prediction and odds for MLK Day (Bet on New Orleans)

NBA betting preview, prediction and best bets for Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, Jan. 15.

By Reed Wallach

Dec 28, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) salutes
Dec 28, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) salutes / Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
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The New Orleans Pelicans recent run of form, winners of seven of 10, have led to the team pushing up the Western Conference standings and starting to give fans optimism to what this team can be come playoff time.

New Orleans is still in Dallas for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee meeting between Southwest Division rivals. This is a pivotal matchup between the top two teams in the division which can help settle the race come April.

It's worth noting that Dallas is likely to be without MVP candidate Luka Doncic for the Monday tilt, meaning the Pelicans are considerable road favorites after the team took down Dallas on the road by 10 on Saturday.

However, can the Pellies cover the number? Here's my betting breakdown:

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Pelicans vs. Mavericks Odds, Spread and Total

Mavericks vs. Pelicans Betting Trends

  • The Pelicans is 23-16-1 against the spread (ATS) this season
  • The Mavericks are 22-18 ATS this season
  • The Pelicans are 11-8-1 ATS on the road this season

Pelicans vs. Mavericks Injury Reports

Pelicans Injury Report

  • Trey Murphy - probable
  • Brnadon Ingram - probable
  • CJ McCollum - probable
  • Zion Williamson - probable
  • Matt Ryan - out

Mavericks Injury Report

  • Maxi Kleber - probable
  • Luka Doncic - doubtful
  • Derrick Jones Jr. - doubtful
  • Dante Exum - out
  • Dereck Lively II - out

Pelicans vs. Mavericks How to Watch

  • Date: Monday, Jan. 15
  • Game Time: 2:0 PM EST
  • Venue: American Airlines Center
  • How to Watch (TV): Bally Sports Southwest
  • Pelicans Record: 24-16
  • Mavericks Record: 23-17

Pelicans vs. Mavericks Key Players to Watch

Pelicans

Jonas Valanciunas: The Pelicans have young stars in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, but Valanciunas has been a catalyst for the team's improved play, averaging nearly 14 points and 10 rebounds on 59.7/50/78.9 shooting splits. With no Lively manning the middle for Dallas, this can be another big outing for him.

Mavericks

Kyrie Irving: With Doncic battling an ankle injury, Irving has raised his game. He scored 44 in the team's Friday win against the Knicks and put up 33 in the Saturday night loss to the Pelicans. He's averaging 25/5/5 this season and will continue to see an increased workload with Doncic likely out again.

Pelicans vs. Mavericks Prediction and Pick

The Pelicans didn't have Williamson or Ingram on Saturday, but the team got a lift from role players like Jordan Hawkins (34 points) and Valanciunas (14 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists) to get the win.

Now, the team is expected to have a full roster and should be in line for another win to extend its one game lead in the Southwest Division.

Over the last 10 games dating back to Christmas Day, the Pelicans have the second best net rating in the NBA, per NBA.com, a staggering +12.1, which is bolstered by the best defense in the NBA over that stretch. With the Mavericks down its best playmaker by a wide margin, I'm going to venture that the team struggles to generate consistent offense to stay within this small number.

Give me New Orleans to take care of business on the road.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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