Healthy Pelicans End Road Trip In Dallas With MLK Day Matinee Against Mavericks

On Monday afternoon, the New Orleans Pelicans (24-16) end their five-game road trip in Dallas versus the Mavericks (23-17). After playing against the Mavs Friday night without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III, all four players are playing on Mondy. The news isn't so good for Mavs' All-NBA guard Luka Doncic. His status is doubtful as he still deals with his right ankle sprain.

Despite missing over 76 points worth of offense Friday night, New Orleans defeated Dallas on the back of rookie Jordan Hawkins. He scored a career-high 34 points in the Pels 118-108 victory. The rookie is certainly making his case for extended playing time in the rotation because of his shooting ability and offensive skill set.

With the return of Zion Williamson, the Pelicans should exploit the Mavs' weakness in the interior. Dallas is No. 23 in the league in opponents points per game and gave up 54 in the paint to the Pels without Williamson on Friday. Zion is No. 2 in the league in points scored in the paint per game (17.1). Expect a heavy dose of Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas in the interior.

Brandon Ingram missed Friday's game with an injury, but he is expected back, and New Orleans wants to get him on track. Ingram has not scored 20 points in a game since December 31 against the Los Angeles Lakers. That's six straight games for Ingram, who is second on the Pelicans in scoring, averaging 21.7 points.

New Orleans defense will try to hone in on Kyrie Irving without Luka available for the game. Irving scored 33 points in the loss on Friday but picked it up in the second half after a slow start. Irving and Tim Hardaway, Jr shot just 2/12 in the first quarter. Pelicans forwards Dyson Daniels, and Herb Jones did a great job frustrating the Mavs guards early in the game.

Dallas is a fast-paced team without Luka who likes to shoot a bunch of outside shots. The Mavs are No. 2 in the league in three-point attempts and three-point made shots per game. On Friday, Dallas shot 15/41 from beyond the arc. The Pelicans held pace by making 12 three-pointers of their own and dominating the paint as well.

New Orleans is tied for the most road wins in the Western Conference, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves with 12. A win on Monday gives them the most before they head home for a four-game home stand starting on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets.