New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks Predictions

Dallas' passing gives it the edge

CBS Sports reports that Dallas has averaged 124.5 points and 31.0 assists through two preseason games, compared with 117.0 points and 23.0 assists for New Orleans. Cooper Flagg leads the Mavericks with 16.5 points and 5.0 assists per game. That early production makes Dallas the more likely winner, but SPF's -118 moneyline leaves little room for preseason uncertainty.

New Orleans can challenge Dallas inside

The Pelicans have averaged 52.5 rebounds through two preseason games, 10.5 more than the Mavericks. Fubo Sports' same-day game report lists Dallas center Dereck Lively II out with a foot injury and forward Santi Aldama day-to-day with a knee issue. Those availability concerns make New Orleans' rebounding advantage more relevant to the Mavericks' -1.5 spread.

No starters have been confirmed, and no verified same-day New Orleans injury report is available. Without clearer lineup information, neither Dallas -118 nor the 229.5 total offers a strong wager.

Prediction

Dallas is the likely winner at home, but the betting lean is Pass.