The Dallas Mavericks visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, December 22, at 8:00 PM ET at Smoothie King Center. Dallas enters on a 1-game losing streak, while New Orleans rides a 4-game winning streak.
Both teams split their previous two matchups this season, with the Pelicans winning 101-99 on November 5 and the Mavericks taking the rematch 118-115 on November 21. Dallas is 11-18 on the season, while New Orleans holds a 7-22 record.
The Mavericks will be without Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), with Dante Exum also out recovering from right knee surgery. Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, and Klay Thompson are all listed as questionable for the game due to illness, back contusion, and left knee soreness, respectively.
New Orleans is missing Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture) and two-way players Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson. Herbert Jones is questionable with a head migraine, which could limit his availability in the rotation.
Dallas relies on Cooper Flagg, who is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over 28 games this season. P.J. Washington contributes 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while Anthony Davis, available in only 13 games, leads the team with 19.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per contest.
The Pelicans are paced by Trey Murphy III, who is averaging 21.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 27 games. Zion Williamson has played 13 games, contributing 21.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per outing, while Jeremiah Fears adds 15.1 points and 3.1 assists in 29 contests.
Both teams have recent close games, including Dallas’ 116-114 overtime win over the Pistons and New Orleans’ 133-128 OT victory over the Rockets.
