Game Preview
The Dallas Mavericks (7-7) are hosting the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (4-10) in a matchup that highlights the stark contrast between these teams' fortunes this season. While the Mavericks have hovered around .500, riding a modest two-game win streak, the Pelicans have stumbled out of the gate, dropping eight of their last ten contests.
On offense, Dallas has been a well-oiled machine, averaging a robust 114.4 points per game. Their shooting has been a key catalyst, with the Mavericks knocking down nearly 48% of their field goals and just under 34% from beyond the arc. New Orleans, on the other hand, has sputtered offensively, mustering only 104.6 points on 43.9% shooting from the field and 35.1% from three-point range.
The Mavericks have also displayed a balanced attack, with their 25.1 assists per game reflecting an unselfish approach. Conversely, the Pelicans have struggled to share the ball, averaging just 23.9 assists while turning it over 14.4 times per contest. This lack of ball movement has undoubtedly hindered their offensive rhythm.
Defensively, Dallas has been stingy, limiting opponents to 110.6 points while forcing 12.5 turnovers per game. New Orleans, however, has been far more porous, surrendering 113.3 points while struggling to create extra possessions with only 7.9 steals per outing.
Recent form further underscores the disparity between these teams. Over their last five games, the Mavericks have outscored opponents by 2.4 points per game while shooting a blistering 50.1% from the field. The Pelicans, conversely, have been outscored by nine points per contest, shooting a meager 41.4% during this stretch.
With the Mavericks clicking on both ends and the Pelicans mired in a prolonged funk, Dallas appears poised to extend their winning ways against a New Orleans squad still searching for answers. The Pelicans will need to shore up their defense and rediscover their offensive rhythm to pull off the upset in this interconference clash.