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Game On: Pelicans @ Mavericks
The Pelicans, now on a 2-game winning streak, are at it again tonight for their 6th back-to-back of the season taking on a divisional rival in the Dallas Mavericks. This is the second meeting this season between the two, with the Mavericks outlasting the Pels 109-104 back in early November. The Pelicans have only beaten one team currently above .500 (San Antonio), a win here to get over .500 against a strong divisional rival and playoff spot contender would be fantastic for the Pelicans and would give a little boost to the team’s playoff hopes.
Anthony Davis is coming off an 18pt 8reb on 6-14 from the field performance and hasn’t had a double-double in 3 games now. Look for Davis to bounce back in an exciting Dirk v Davis matchup, as the first time he put up a 31-15-2-3-2 stat line.
The Mavericks are 3-2 in December and are coming off a loss to fellow divisional foe Memphis. They have only lost two in a row once so far this season as they sit in 7th place in the West with a 16-7 record.
Keys to the game tonight:
- The first meeting between the two teams was a tale of two halves. In the first the Pels gave up 66 on 55.1% shooting, second half 43 on 47.5% shooting. A lot of the damage was done by Chandler Parsons who scored 15 in the first two quarters on 5-8 shooting. The Pelicans will have to avoid another slow start unless they want to be playing from behind against the league leader in Offensive rating (113.9).
- The Mavs are not a good rebounding team (2nd to last in the league in defensive rebounding). Meanwhile Asik, Davis, and Anderson are all good-great offensive rebounders, they need to exploit this match up and grab any and all 2nd chance opportunities they can to keep pace with Dallas’ offense.
- The Bench: Can the new additions keep the Pels in the game? Last match up the Mavericks bench outscored New Orleans’ 36-14. Can Mekel, Cunningham, and crew keep Harris, Wright, and Barea in check?
Flock Up and Find Out who will come out ahead tonight 7(CT)
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