The New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks are set to face off at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET. This matchup features two teams with different trajectories this season, making it an intriguing game to watch.
New Orleans Pelicans
- 2024 Record: 13-42, 15th in Western Conference
- Key Players: CJ McCollum (G), Trey Murphy III (F), Dejounte Murray (G), Zion Williamson (F/C), Javonte Green (F)
- Strengths: The Pelicans have shown flashes of potential with McCollum and Murphy III leading the scoring. They have a solid power play, converting at a 21.6% rate.
- Challenges: The Pelicans have struggled defensively and have had difficulty maintaining leads. They are currently on a seven-game road slide.
- Key Departures: Herbert Jones (out for season), Dejounte Murray (day to day)
- Key Signings: None significant
Dallas Mavericks
- 2024 Record: 30-26, 8th in Western Conference
- Key Players: Kyrie Irving (G), P.J. Washington (F), Spencer Dinwiddie (G), Klay Thompson (G/F), Max Christie (G)
- Strengths: The Mavericks have a top-10 offense, averaging 118.6 points per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. They have been strong defensively, allowing only 113.5 points per game.
- Challenges: The Mavericks have had some struggles with rebounding, averaging 42.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA.
- Key Departures: Anthony Davis (out), Daniel Gafford (out), Dwight Powell (out), Caleb Martin (out), P.J. Washington Jr. (day to day)
- Key Signings: None significant
Match Details
- Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
- Broadcast: ESPN, KFAA, Gulf Coast Sports
Team News and Lineups
- New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans will be without Herbert Jones for the season and Dejounte Murray is day to day. CJ McCollum will start in goal.
- Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks will be without Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dwight Powell, and Caleb Martin due to injuries. Kyrie Irving will start in goal.
Key Matchups
- CJ McCollum vs. Dallas Mavericks Defense: McCollum’s offensive prowess will be a major threat to the Mavericks’ defense.
- Dallas Mavericks’ Offense vs. New Orleans Pelicans Defense: The Mavericks’ balanced attack will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Pelicans’ defense.
