Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans 12/3/21 NBA Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Dallas Mavericks play host to the New Orleans Pelicans once again at the American Airlines Center on Friday night.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been in decent shape in recent games as they’ve won three of their past five, but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after getting thrashed by the Mavericks in a 139-107 home loss on Wednesday. Brandon Ingram had it going as he led the team with 29 points on 11 of 17 shooting, Devonte’ Graham scored just 13 points and six assists while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 12 points off the bench. As a team, the Pelicans shot 44 percent from the field and 13 of 37 from the 3-point line, but they were just never in the contest after falling behind by 23 points early in the second quarter. Jonas Valanciunas finished with just six points on one of eight shooting while Herbert Jones scored just three points on one of eight shooting.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have been in a rut as they had lost five of six before blowing past the Pelicans in the big win on Wednesday. Luka Doncic led the team with 26 points, and 14 assists on 11 of 16 shooting, Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points with 10 rebounds and two blocks while Jalen Brunson chipped in with 17 points on seven of nine shooting off the bench. As a team, the Mavericks shot a ridiculous 68 percent from the field and 18 of 34 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 41 points in the first quarter, before running away in the second half where they poured in 72 points. No starter played more than 28 minutes as the Mavericks were able to rest their starters early.

Looking at the betting trends, the Pelicans are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following a loss. The Mavericks are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games and 17-35 ATS in their last 52 games against a team with a losing record.

Head to head, the over is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings overall, the Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings in Dallas and the Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings overall.

The Pelicans will be out for revenge after getting blown out by the Mavericks on Wednesday, but they need to be much better on the defensive end as the Mavericks got pretty much whatever they wanted the last time. I expect the Pelicans to come out firing and maybe even lead at halftime, but I just don’t think they’ll make enough adjustments to make much of a difference. Kristaps Porzingis is questionable with a knee injury, but I’m sticking with the Mavericks to get the win and cover at home.