Pelicans vs Mavericks: Injury-Wrecked Showdown

In a battle of Western Conference strugglers, the Dallas Mavericks host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night with both teams reeling from injuries and poor performances. This NBA Cup Group Play game pits two franchises at the bottom of the standings against each other in a desperate search for a much-needed victory.

Two Teams in Crisis

It’s hard to find much optimism around either franchise right now. The Mavericks enter the game with a 4-12 record, while the Pelicans sit at a league-worst 2-13. As one NBA.com preview bluntly stated, "misery loves company," and these two teams have plenty to commiserate about. They are staring up at nearly everyone in the West, with only the Sacramento Kings sharing their cellar-dwelling status.

Injuries Ravage Both Sides

The Mavericks' situation is particularly dire. They'll be without three of their best players: Anthony Davis (calf), Kyrie Irving (knee), and Ryan Nembhard (knee). Furthermore, Dante Exum is out for the remainder of the season after needing a follow-up knee surgery. This thin roster makes every miscue costly, as highlighted by P.J. Washington’s recent 1-for-12 shooting performance. Despite his struggles, Washington still contributed with 10 rebounds and three steals, underscoring how the Mavs need maximum effort from everyone just to stay competitive.

The Pelicans are equally hampered. They are missing Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Jordan Poole (quad) for an extended period. Former coach Willie Green was fired after a 2-10 start, and his replacement, James Borrego, has yet to turn things around, overseeing an 0-3 record. Their recent 125-118 loss to the Nuggets saw rookie Derik Queen lead with 30 points, while Zion Williamson, returning from an 8-game hamstring injury, managed just 14 points.

Betting Odds and Key Storylines

The Mavericks are favored at home, listed as 4.5-point favorites (-105) on DraftKings, with a moneyline of -170. The total points line sits at 249.5. Oddsmakers see Dallas as having the edge, especially considering how poorly the Pelicans have played during their current seven-game losing streak. The Mavs have shown flashes of competitiveness, like their narrow 113-111 loss to the Knicks where they executed a beautiful final play, only for a controversial foul call to cost them.

One storyline to watch is Klay Thompson’s role shift. After a slow start, Thompson has found his footing coming off the bench. He’s posted back-to-back 19-point games and has consistently recorded double-digit points-plus-assists. A prop bet suggests he could go over 14.5 points + assists against the Pelicans’ struggling defense.

Beyond the Court: Community Involvement

While the teams battle, the Mavericks Foundation will present a $250,000 donation to North Texas nonprofits during halftime. This grant, allocated from the Emergency Relief Fund, supports communities impacted by the recent government shutdown and SNAP benefits pause, focusing on food pantries and emergency assistance programs.

Prediction: Can the Mavs Cover?

Despite their own struggles, the Mavericks have the home-court advantage and a more complete healthy roster compared to the injury-riddled Pelicans. Their recent close losses suggest they’re fighting hard, whereas New Orleans has been blown out in recent defeats. Look for Dallas to control the tempo and exploit their depth, covering the spread in what should be a low-scoring, gritty affair.

The road is long for both teams, but as P.J. Washington aptly put it, "It’s not going to rain forever." For one of these franchises, Friday night could be the first step towards seeing some sunshine.

Follow the action on WFAA, KFAA-29, or MavsTV Stream at 7:30 PM CT.