Pelicans Battle Injuries as Mavericks Win Without Luka Doncic
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks: Injury Woes and a Battle for Momentum
In NBA Cup action, the New Orleans Pelicans (4-10) are set to face the Dallas Mavericks (7-7) on Tuesday. The Pelicans have managed to grab a win in group play, holding a 1-0 record in the tournament so far. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have already suffered a loss in the NBA Cup, leaving them looking for redemption in this matchup. While the Pelicans are coming off a 104-99 loss to the Lakers, they managed to cover as 7.5-point underdogs. The Mavericks, on the other hand, recently secured a narrow 121-119 road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, overcoming a 7.5-point spread as road dogs.
Both teams have their share of challenges heading into this game, with the Pelicans battling a slew of injuries to key players, while the Mavericks are trying to find their footing without their star player, Luka Doncic. This matchup presents a pivotal opportunity for both teams to gain momentum as they push forward in the NBA Cup.
New Orleans Pelicans: Navigating Injuries and Lack of Depth
The Pelicans’ main struggle this season has been staying healthy. Despite a promising start to the franchise’s rebuild with the number one pick in the 2019 draft, Zion Williamson has failed to live up to the massive expectations placed upon him. Injuries have consistently held him back, and the Pelicans are feeling the effects of his absence, as well as the absence of several other key contributors. Alongside Williamson, CJ McCollum is sidelined due to a thigh injury, and Dejonte Murray recently underwent hand surgery, adding to the team’s depleted lineup.
New Orleans has lost six of its last seven games, with their only victory during this stretch coming in an NBA Cup win over the Denver Nuggets. In their most recent loss to the Lakers, Brandon Ingram stood out with 32 points and eight assists. The 26-year-old forward has been the primary offensive weapon for the Pelicans, leading the team in scoring with 23.6 points per game (PPG) and 5.4 assists per game (APG). His recent performances — including back-to-back 29+ point outings — have shown that he’s capable of carrying the team, but he cannot do it alone.
Ingram will need to continue his high-level play to keep the Pelicans competitive in this game. However, New Orleans’ depth is being tested, with players like Jordan Hawkins, Trey Murphy III, and Zion Williamson all out with injuries. There is a chance that Murphy, who has been averaging 14.3 PPG when healthy, may return from his hamstring injury, but his status is uncertain.
The Pelicans are also relying on a few emerging players to step up in the absence of their regular stars. Brandon Boston Jr., a 22-year-old wing, has impressed in the starting lineup, contributing 12.3 PPG and 4.5 rebounds per game. Yves Missi, a 6’11” rookie from Baylor, has started at center, averaging 6.9 PPG and 6.7 RPG. New Orleans has also relied on veterans like Javonte Green and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, while Jaylen Nowell has played a significant role off the bench.
Defensively, the Pelicans have shown some resilience, but their offense has been hindered by a slow pace. They rank 28th in the league for made three-pointers per game (11.1) and 29th in possessions per game, relying on a slower tempo. This lack of pace, combined with their inefficient three-point shooting, has made it difficult for New Orleans to generate consistent offense.
Dallas Mavericks: A Win Without Luka Doncic and a Deepening Injury Report
The Dallas Mavericks have also had their share of challenges but are coming off a crucial win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being without their star player Luka Doncic, the Mavericks managed to secure a 121-119 victory. PJ Washington played a pivotal role in the win, posting 27 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Kyrie Irving also contributed with 23 points and six assists, including three made three-pointers. The Mavericks are starting to regain their form after a four-game losing streak, and this win was crucial for their confidence.
Luka Doncic’s status for this game is uncertain, as he is dealing with a knee contusion. If he does play, he brings 28.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 7.8 APG to the table, and his presence would be a major boost for Dallas. If Doncic is unavailable, Irving will continue to carry the load. The 31-year-old guard is having an impressive season, averaging 24.8 PPG and 5.1 APG. Irving has been scorching from the perimeter, shooting 52.1% from three-point range, and he’s scored 20 or more points in five consecutive games, including a 43-point performance against the Denver Nuggets.
Kyrie Irving has proven that he can lead the Mavericks offensively, but the team is also benefiting from a strong supporting cast. Klay Thompson, who was recently added to the starting lineup, has settled into his new role, contributing 13.6 PPG as a third shooter on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II, who has been starting at center, provides an energetic presence in the paint, contributing 8.6 PPG and 6.8 RPG.
In addition to these key players, the Mavericks are hoping that PJ Washington can build on his breakout performance. Washington is a versatile forward who is averaging 10.3 PPG, and he has the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting while also finishing at the rim. Dallas has ranked 22nd in the league for three-pointers made per game (12.1), and their defense ranks 10th by allowing just 12.6 made threes per game.
Dallas’ ability to control the game’s pace will be important. While they rank 22nd in possessions per game, they have the tools to speed up the game when needed, especially with players like Irving and Thompson, who can score quickly in transition.
Conclusion
With the Pelicans limping into this game with a decimated roster, the Mavericks will be favored to come away with the win, especially given their recent performance without Doncic. While Ingram can only do so much, the Mavericks’ depth and offensive firepower should carry them through. If Doncic plays, the Mavericks will likely dominate; if he doesn’t, Irving and the supporting cast should still prove too much for the Pelicans to handle.
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