The New Orleans Pelicans return home to the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night to take on the Dallas Mavericks. While the Pelicans are coming off their best road trip of the season, the Mavericks arrive in New Orleans reeling from a rough stretch, including seven losses in their last nine games.
Pelicans Finding Momentum
After a brutal 11-game losing streak that carried into the new year, the Pelicans have been much better in January, winning four of their last seven games and nearly doubling their season’s win total. Zion Williamson has been a major factor in the team’s improved play since returning from a hamstring injury. In just three games back, Williamson has showcased his game-changing abilities, averaging 19.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds in limited minutes.
“When he touches the floor, everything gets better,” head coach Willie Green said. “You can feel his energy.”
The Pelicans have also been bolstered by the rise of Trey Murphy from a role player into a certified lead scorer. Murphy is averaging 27.0 points per game in January and is coming off back-to-back 30-point outings, including a 32-point effort in Tuesday’s win over Chicago. He’s also been automatic at the free-throw line, setting a franchise record with 43 consecutive makes.
Dallas in a Slump
The Mavericks are still adjusting to life without perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a left calf strain. Dallas has struggled mightily in his absence, posting a 3-6 record since Christmas and slipping to sixth in the Western Conference standings. Kyrie Irving returned to action on Tuesday after missing five games with a back issue but only scored 11 points in a blowout loss to Denver. Dallas, which blew out the Pelicans by 41 at home in November, looks to avoid a fifth straight road loss.
Their January net rating of -6.2 ranks 27th in the NBA, highlighting their defensive struggles and lack of offensive firepower. The absence of center Dereck Lively II, who exited Tuesday’s game with a sprained ankle, further weakens their rotation.
The Pelicans have shown they’re capable of competing with anyone when Zion is on the floor and Trey Murphy is hitting his stride. With the Mavericks missing their leader and potentially shorthanded elsewhere, this feels like an opportunity for New Orleans to continue building momentum at home.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Dallas Mavericks | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Kyrie Irving | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Klay Thompson | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Naji Marshall | F – Trey Murphy |
| F – PJ Washington | F – Zion Williamson |
| C – Dereck Lively | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic ( left calf strain) and Dante Exum (wrist) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (right elbow bursitis) is PROBABLE. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), and Zion Williamson (return to play reconditioning) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (9-32) vs Dallas Mavericks (22-18)
Season Series:
- Nov. 19: Mavericks def. Pelicans, 132-91
- Jan. 15: Pelicans vs. Mavericks
- Jan. 29: Pelicans vs. Mavericks
- Feb. 21: Pelicans at Mavericks
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 28-55 all-time against the Dallas Mavericks and have lost two straight to them.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Jan. 15, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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