Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 22 | 2025-26 NBA Season

A month ago, this matchup might have been dismissed as a meeting between two struggling teams, but recently, the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans have both put together wins, giving their fan bases renewed hope for midseason turnarounds.

This will be the third meeting between the teams, with each earning a win in their two previous matchups in November.

Here’s a preview of this Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans game, scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

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Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Mavericks (-106) vs Pelicans (-113)

Spread: Mavericks +1.5 (-110) vs Pelicans -1.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Mavericks o237.5 (-110) vs Pelicans u237.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans preview

The Mavericks enter the matchup at 11-18, while the Pelicans come in at 7-22.

Although both teams remain well below .500, each has shown signs of momentum, with Dallas winning six of its last nine games and New Orleans riding a season-best four-game winning streak.

In addition to regular absences Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum and Dereck Lively II, the Mavericks list Cooper Flagg, Max Christie and Klay Thompson as questionable.

Their availability is significant, particularly Flagg, who is in the midst of a record-breaking rookie campaign, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

New Orleans enters the contest in better health, with only Dejounte Murray ruled out and Herbert Jones listed as questionable.

During their recent surge, the Pelicans have been led by Trey Murphy III (22.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Zion Williamson (18.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Saddiq Bey (18.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Jordan Poole (17.3 ppg), Derik Queen (13.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and Jeremiah Fears (13.3 ppg).

With their size advantage, the Mavericks rank as the league’s top shot-blocking team, and their interior-focused approach has placed them among the NBA leaders in two-point attempts and free throw attempts.

That aggressiveness and presence inside could prove decisive against a Pelicans team that has seen several contributors elevate their play in recent games.

Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans betting tips

• Anthony Davis O/U 24.5 points – Take the under.
• Cooper Flagg O/U 21.5 points – Take the over.
• Zion Williamson O/U 19.5 points – Take the over.
• Jordan Poole O/U 15.5 points – Take the under.

Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

This projects to be a compelling matchup between two teams trending in the right direction, but Dallas holds the edge.

The Mavericks’ defense should be enough to slow down the surging Pelicans.

Our prediction: Mavericks win by 8.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro