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Two teams in the Western Conference playoff hunt square off on Saturday when the New Orleans Pelicans (23-15, 22-15-1 ATS) travel to take on the Dallas Mavericks (23-16, 22-17 ATS). The Pelicans currently hold the 6th spot in the Western Conference, and Dallas is just a half game back in 7th. New Orleans will be on their second night of a back to back, as they play in Denver on Friday night (Note: this article was published before the results of the Pelicans/Nuggets game). Dallas will be coming off a home win over the Knicks, winning 128-124 as 4.5-point home underdogs. This is the 3rd of four matchups between these teams this season, as the series is tied at 1-1. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 EST from the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
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The New Orleans Pelicans top three has played most of their games this season, and are putting together a strong run. CJ McCollum missed some games with a collapsed lung, but he has joined Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson to lead the Pelicans into the playoff picture. Ingram and Zion are both currently battling minor injuries as of late. The Pelicans have won six of their last seven leading up to their matchup with Denver before this battle with Dallas. In their previous game, the Pelicans were led by big man Jonas Valanciunas with 21 points and nine rebounds in a big win over the Warriors.
Brandon Ingram has been the leading scorer for the Pelicans this season at 22.0 PPG, he is also the top playmaker with 5.4 APG. Ingram has been bothered by an achilles injury lately and is questionable to play in this matchup, he has not scored over 20 points in his last five games. Zion Williamson is battling his own injury, his quadricep has him listed as questionable for this back to back, he has been averaging 21.7 PPG this season with 5.9 RPG. CJ McCollum is adding another 19.7 PPG and 5.0 APG, he is also the top shooter on the team with 3.5 made threes per game. Jonas Valanciunas starts inside for the Pelicans and adds another 14.2 PPG and 9.7 RPG, while Herbert Jones starts on the perimeter as a wing defender adding another 10.7 PPG.
The Pelicans have two double figure scorers coming off the bench in the athletic Trey Murphy III who adds 13.8 PPG, and the rookie Jordan Hawkins who brings another 10.4 PPG. The Pelicans are currently ranked 13th in offensive efficiency and 9th in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. The Pelicans play at the 16th fastest pace in the NBA.
Injury Report:
Questionable: Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III