Pelicans vs Mavericks Prediction 17 March 2026

The New Orleans Pelicans, despite lacking any clear motivation, are currently delivering a stretch of competitive and quality basketball, winning six of their last ten games-a commendable feat for any team, let alone a Western Conference underdog. During this period, they have averaged 118.9 points per game while allowing 115.6, indicating an uptick in offensive strength and solid defense. The team focuses on fast breaks and a high tempo, creating numerous open shot opportunities.

Recently, Zion and his squad went toe-to-toe with the formidable Houston Rockets on their home court, narrowly losing 105-107. Murray dominated the court, hitting 14 of 18 shots from the field, finishing the game with 35 points. Additionally, the Pelicans impressively shot 40% from beyond the arc. Fans can only lament that the first half of the season was marred by injuries to key players and a lack of cohesion.

The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in a much tougher spot than their current opponents, having secured just two wins in their last 10 games. Despite this, they still hold a slight edge in the Western Conference standings, leading the Pelicans by just one victory. Their average scoring during this stretch is a paltry 105.5 points per game, while they concede an average of 119.2 points, raising concerns about the team's defense.

However, in their previous outing, Kidd's squad delivered a pleasant surprise to their fans with a sensational road victory over the formidable Cleveland Cavaliers (130-120), where the odds for a Mavericks win exceeded 8.00 before the game. The Texans played arguably their best offensive basketball of the season, showcasing impressive teamwork and great spirit. Three players-Flagg, Marshall, and Washington-each scored 20+ points. It will be interesting to see if this offensive fireworks display continues in New Orleans.