Pelicans vs. Mavericks Prediction
Can the Dallas Mavericks slow down the New Orleans Pelicans when the two young squads collide tonight at 9:30PM ET?
529 New Orleans Pelicans vs. 530 Dallas Mavericks
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
9:30PM ET – American Airlines Center
TV – ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Mavericks are the favorite at home, as they are getting odds of -6 points against the Pelicans. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 238.5 points. The public betting currently has 77 percent going on the Mavericks as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Pelicans struggling to cover
New Orleans was on fire for a bit, but the Pelicans have hit a bit of a speed bump as of late. Following a 139-134 loss at home to Minnesota last night, New Orleans has dropped three of its last four while failing to cover in four straight. The Pelicans are now 26-35 on the season, 14-16 on the road, 30-29-2 against the spread and 35-26 with the over.
The Pelicans are putting up 116.1 points per game on offense this season while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. Defensively, New Orleans is giving up 117.2 points per game while opponents shoot 46.7 percent against them. Brandon Ingram is leading the team with 24.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Zion Williamson is adding 24.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.
Mavs return home
Dallas wrapped up a four-game road trip on Monday and it concluded with a 109-107 loss at Chicago. The Mavericks went 2-2 on the road trip. Dallas is 37-25 on the season, 16-14 at home, 33-26-3 against the spread and 38-24 with the over.
The Mavericks are putting up 116.4 points per game on offense this season while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. Defensively, Dallas is giving up 110.4 points per game while opponents shoot 45.2 percent against them. The Mavs have some injury concerns at guard. Already without Jalen Brunson, Dallas has both Seth Curry and JJ Barea are questionable tonight. Luka Doncic is leading the team with 28.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists per contest. Kristaps Porzingis is adding 19.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
NBA Betting Trends
New Orleans
The Pelicans are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games on no rest and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a loss.
Dallas
The Mavericks are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games as a favorite and 37-18-3 ATS in their last 58 games following a loss.
Prediction:
Dallas has won and covered in all three meetings with the Pelicans this season, but the Mavs have yet to go up against Zion. Despite that, I think Dallas should be fine tonight. The Pelicans have looked off in recent games and they had a quick turnaround with travel for tonight’s game. Opponents seem to have figured out New Orleans a little bit and Dallas has the frontcourt to be able to compete with Zion. Dallas has been steady at home recently and I think Doncic should carve up this lackluster New Orleans defense.
NBA Prediction: Dallas Mavericks -6