Dallas Mavericks (10-9, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (6-17, 14th in the Western Conference)
New Orleans; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Luka Doncic leads Dallas into a matchup with New Orleans. He ranks eighth in the league averaging 25.5 points per game.
The Pelicans are 5-9 against Western Conference opponents. New Orleans has a 4-10 record in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Mavericks are 5-0 against the rest of their division. Dallas has a 2-0 record in one-possession games.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Mavericks won 108-92 in the last matchup on Nov. 9.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 19.3 points and 12.4 rebounds for the Pelicans. Brandon Ingram is averaging 19.2 points over the last 10 games for New Orleans.
Doncic is shooting 34.1% from beyond the arc with 2.9 made 3-pointers per game for the Mavericks, while averaging 25.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.3 assists. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 21.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over the past 10 games for Dallas.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 104.7 points, 45.8 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.1 points per game.
Mavericks: 4-6, averaging 106.4 points, 41.9 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.1 points.
INJURIES: Pelicans: Daulton Hommes: out (fibula), Zion Williamson: out (foot).
Mavericks: Frank Ntilikina: out (calf), Willie Cauley-Stein: out (illness), Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (ankle).
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