The New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks head into Friday’s NBA Cup matchup facing significant injury concerns that could influence rotations and strategies at the American Airlines Center.
New Orleans will be without Dejounte Murray, who continues to recover from a right Achilles rupture, while Karlo Matkovic is sidelined with a right calf strain. Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are also unavailable due to G League assignments.
Dallas faces multiple absences as well, with Kyrie Irving out after left knee surgery and Anthony Davis sidelined with a left calf strain. Ryan Nembhard remains out with a left knee sprain, and Dante Exum is listed out for injury management on his right knee.
Offensively, the Pelicans rely on Zion Williamson, who leads the team with 21.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Trey Murphy III adds 19.9 points and 6.5 rebounds, while Jordan Poole contributes 17.3 points and 3.4 assists per contest. Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears provide depth in scoring and playmaking.
For Dallas, Anthony Davis had been the centerpiece with 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game before his injury, while Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington provide secondary scoring with 15.5 and 14.4 points per game, respectively. D’Angelo Russell leads in assists at 5.0 per game.
Both teams enter the matchup struggling in the standings. The Pelicans are 2-13 after losses to the Nuggets and Thunder, while the Mavericks sit at 4-12 following narrow defeats to the Knicks and Timberwolves.
The two teams previously met on November 5, with New Orleans narrowly edging Dallas 101-99 on the road.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET at the American Airlines Center.
