The New Orleans Pelicans (1-9) travel to American Airlines Center Monday to take on the Dallas Mavericks (6-3). Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Pelicans at Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Coming into this game, the New Orleans Pelicans will once again be down their two best players, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Ingram is technically listed as questionable, but it seems more likely he sits.
However, they have shown potential even without them, staying close in the first half with the Warriors and the Kings. The Pels are one of just three one-win teams remaining.
They’ll be taking on a surging Mavericks group that is picking up the pace. Dallas didn’t start off hot but has won its last two and three of its last four. Behind MVP candidate Luka Doncic, the Mavs will be strong favorites in this matchup. Doncic sits 12th in points and 14th in assists per game.
Pelicans at Mavericks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:55 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Pelicans +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Mavericks -475 (bet $475 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +9.5 (-115) | Mavericks -9.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 210.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Pelicans at Mavericks key injuries
Pelicans
- SF Brandon Ingram (ankle) questionable
- PF Zion Williamson (foot) out
Mavericks
-
PF Maxi Kleber (oblique) out
Road at home odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Mavericks 104, Pelicans 102
Money line
PASS on the money line.
This should get a nice boost if Ingram is ruled active, but regardless, there isn’t much value here on either side of it. At the very least, one can consider the +340, but only if Ingram plays. Otherwise, turn your attention to the points.
Against the spread
BET on the PELICANS +9.5 (-115) as this may not be a great matchup for Doncic.
The Pelicans are laced with quick guards like Devonte’ Graham and Josh Hart, both of which can defend at a high level. Hart is an extremely talented defender.
Having Hart defend Doncic should work wonder. Also, big man Jonas Valančiūnas has looked as good as ever, averaging 19.3 points per game for the Pelicans.
Without a traditional center outside of the massive 7-foot-4 Boban Marjanović, the Mavs may get eaten alive by the Pels big man. Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in defensive rating and offensive rating.
Hanging almost 10 points on a team that’s not as dominant as the public thought may be a good idea. The Mavs are just 2-7 ATS while the Pels are 4-6. Hammer this, and you may get even luckier if Ingram plays.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 210.5 (-108) as the better side. With Unders hitting at almost a 60 percent rate, the sportsbooks are having to adjust.
The new rule change is impacting free-throw shooting a bit more than most thought it would. Doncic has been a main culprit of that impact, shooting two fewer free throws a game.
Despite the low number, this game still has slow, methodical style written all over it. Big Val against the half-court wizards, Doncic is the matchup unless Ingram plays.
That said, the Pelicans may rank 14th in pace, but they also are among the five worst teams in turnover rate. On the other hand, the Mavs play a slower game, a bottom 10 in pace.
Overall, combine the two, and I expect the Under to be the better pick in this one. The two teams are 3-14-2 on the total this season.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]