The Dallas Mavericks will be playing against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. They are coming off a win against the Detroit Pistons, thanks to Luka Doncic’s 53-point game. The Slovenian will be aiming to repeat that extraordinary tonight as well, as he continues to have a phenomenal season. The Mavericks have a record of 27-25 and they sit as 5th seed in the West. Although they are expected to make the playoffs, the Mavs’ aim will surely be to improve on their winning record this season.
The Pelicans have not had much success lately. They have lost their last 9 games as their misery continues in Zion Williamson’s absence. Although it may be unrealistic to claim that one player has affected the Pelicans’ form so much, it isn’t all that surprising considering how talented the former Duke superstar is. He remains on the Pelicans’ injury report and Luka will be aiming to take advantage of this tonight.
Luka Doncic is available for the Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans game tonight
Luka Doncic has been fortunate enough to not face much trouble with injuries this year. The Mavs superstar was seen coughing during one of the games earlier this year, showing signs of COVID. However, it was nothing for fans to be afraid of. Although he has been on the sidelines for a few minor injuries, Doncic has always done well to bounce back and recover quickly. With that said, he is available to face the Pelicans tonight.
I believe this is the play that fractured Christian Wood’s left thumb last night against Atlanta. Injuries are never good but this is particularly bad timing for both Wood and the Mavs. https://t.co/2RKDZ356jF pic.twitter.com/qU4DDGop8A
— Josh Mazur (@MazurFocus) January 19, 2023
Christian Wood remains out with a thumb injury. Sources claim that he fractured his left thumb when playing against the Atlanta Hawks. Apart from Wood, Maxi Kleber is also on the Mavs injury report. He will also miss the game against the Pelicans after tearing his right hamstring.
Dallas Mavericks injury report
- Christian Wood (out)
- Maxi Kleber (out)
Dallas Mavericks expected roster
- Luka Doncic
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- Dwight Powell
New Orleans Pelicans injury report
- Zion Williamson (out)
- Dyson Daniels (out)
- E.J. Liddell (out)
New Orleans Pelicans expected roster
- Brandon Ingram
- Trey Murphy III
- Jonas Valančiūnas
- CJ McCollum
- Herb Jones
The Mavs are favored over the Pelicans to take the win tonight
Zion Williamson‘s hamstring injury was a major hit for the Pelicans. To put into perspective, the Pelicans have a record of 3-12 since Zion’s last game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 2, 2023. This certainly means that his absence will duly be noted in tonight’s game as well. The Mavs will not have much trouble dismantling the Pelicans’ defense with Luka Magic’s help.
The last time these two sides faced was in January 2023. The Mavs won the game 117-127 as Luka put up a triple-double on the board. He made 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists that night. He had Christian Wood’s help that night, who performed decently as well. Wood has been a good partner for Luka on the court but he will not be playing tonight. However, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith will be able to help Luka tonight. Both of them were on point when he rolled his ankle and had to leave the game early a few days ago.
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