The New Orleans Pelicans return home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, looking to break out of a three-game slump. Just two weeks ago, the Pelicans defeated the Mavericks 119-116 at the Smoothie King Center, but both teams have headed in different directions since.
That win was part of a season-high four-game winning streak for New Orleans, but the Pels’ momentum came to a screeching halt during their recent road trip. Their losses to Memphis, Charlotte, and Toronto came by an average margin of 17.7 points. Monday’s 113-104 loss to the Raptors, highlighted the Pelicans’ season-long shooting struggles—they made just 6-of-28 from beyond the three-point arc (21.4%) and 20-of-30 from the free-throw line. Zion Williamson did his part, scoring 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting, but the rest of the team repeatedly failed to make open shots.
“We got some quality looks. We just didn’t knock them down,” head coach Willie Green said. “Sometimes that happens. You’ve got to make some of those shots and finish some of those possessions.”
| Season | W/L when 3P% .333 or less |
| 2024-25 | 3-23 (.115) |
| 2023-24 | 13-18 (.419) |
| 2022-23 | 11-19 (.366) |
| 2021-22 | 13-29 (.309) |
Meanwhile, Dallas has gone 3-3 since losing in New Orleans, including impressive wins over Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City. Kyrie Irving, who missed the last matchup against the Pelicans, is back in the lineup, while Luka Dončić remains sidelined with a calf injury. Klay Thompson has turned back the clock lately, showing the shooting form that made him a three-time champion and tying a franchise record with seven threes in a quarter during the Mavericks’ 130-108 win over Washington.
The Pelicans, who have been vulnerable inside all season, will also have to deal with Daniel Gafford. Gafford has been a problem for the Pelicans this season, averaging 19 points and nine rebounds while shooting a scorching 85% from the field in two matchups against New Orleans. The Pelicans, starting with Yves Missi, need to slow him down inside while continuing to rely on Williamson’s ability to dominate in the paint.
CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy will have to refind their form. During the three-game losing streak, they’re averaging a combined 35 points per game while shooting less than 30 percent from long distance. That’s down from their season averages of 43.2 points and 36.3 percent.
The Mavericks have struggled away from home, losing six of their last seven road games. This matchup kicks off a five-game road trip for them, and the Pelicans need to take advantage. New Orleans has just one division win all season (1-7 in Southwest Division games), but a strong performance on their home floor could give them another one.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Dallas Mavericks | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Spencer Dinwiddie | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Kyrie Irving | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Klay Thompson | F – Trey Murphy |
| F – PJ Washington | F – Zion Williamson |
| C – Daniel Gafford | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Dallas Mavericks: Naji Marshall (non-Covid illness) and Dwight Powell (hip) are QUESTIONABLE. Luka Doncic (calf), Dante Exum (wrist), Maxi Kleber (foot), and Dereck Lively II (ankle) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (right elbow bursitis, right index finger sprain) is PROBABLE. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) and Herb Jones (right shoulder strain) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (12-35) vs Dallas Mavericks (25-22)
Season Series:
- Nov. 19: Mavericks def. Pelicans, 132-91
- Jan. 15: Pelicans def. Mavericks, 119-116
- Jan. 29: Pelicans vs. Mavericks
- Feb. 21: Pelicans at Mavericks
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 29-55 all-time against the Dallas Mavericks, including 1-1 this season and 5-5 over the last 10.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Jan. 29, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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