The Dallas Mavericks squared off against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 22, 2025, at the American Airlines Center, continuing the intrigue of the NBA season with both teams featuring significantly different lineups following recent trades.
After shaking up their rosters before the trade deadline, both teams approached the game with starkly contrasting standings. The Mavericks (30-26) came in as 5.5-point favorites over the struggling Pelicans (13-42), who have the worst record in the Western Conference. Tip-off was scheduled for 12:30 PM AEDT, and fans were eager to see how the new lineups would play out on the court.
Headlined by the recent blockbuster trade, where the Mavericks moved former All-NBA guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team shifted its focus to new acquisitions, including Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Despite Davis recovering from injury—specifically, a left adductor strain—the Mavericks aimed to leverage their depth with players like Kyrie Irving and the returning PJ Washington.
On the opposing side, the Pelicans were adjusting after the departure of their former stars, including Brandon Ingram, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors. While the Pelicans are out of playoff contention, the focus shifted toward allowing younger players more experience as they navigate the remainder of the season. Players like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum remained integral to the team's efforts, with Williamson having averaged 29.5 points over his prior four games.
Before the game, the Mavericks faced their own struggles with injuries. Alongside Davis, Dallas confirmed the absence of multiple key players, including Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. New additions like Moses Brown were set to make their season debuts, potentially providing valuable support to fill the frontcourt gap left by injuries.
Betting odds indicated Dallas as clear favorites, with their moneyline set at -220 against New Orleans' +180. The over/under was pegged at 237 points, reflecting expectations for high scoring. Analysts predicted a close contest, particularly since the previous three games between the teams had been fiercely contested—decided by only four points.
Early on, the Mavericks capitalized on their home court advantage, taking control of the game with Irving setting the tempo and scoring nine points in the first quarter. P.J. Washington emerged as key to the Mavericks’ strategy, demonstrating proficiency on the boards, particularly with the Pelicans allowing the most rebounds per game to centers, even with Washington playing as more of a forward.
Despite the Mavericks' strong start, the Pelicans mounted a comeback, fueled by Jose Alvarado's explosive three-pointer which capped off a 16-5 run, briefly giving them the lead. The teams went back and forth throughout the first half, with Dallas maintaining a narrow advantage at halftime, leading 56-53.
Statistically, Washington shone brightly, leading all scorers with 20 points by the half, showcasing why he was touted as one of the best options to bet on—and secure his place as the Mavericks' standout player for the night.
The intensity of the game reflected the competitive nature both teams carried with them, especially considering the Pelicans were fielding many younger players who sought to prove themselves at such pivotal moments. The struggle for breezy positions marked this game not only as another matchup but as groundwork for each franchise's future.
Predictive models simulated the contest 10,000 different times before the matchup, pegging Dallas with a 68% chance of winning, as both teams vied for supremacy on the scoreboard. Placing bets required careful consideration, not only of statistical tendencies but also how player injuries changed the fabric of each lineup.
While both teams faced their unique challenges, the enthusiasm of the Dallas crowd provided the backdrop for what might well be remembered as one of the more engaging games of the season, showcasing the storyline of transformation, resilience and hope. The Pelicans sought to take advantage of every opportunity on the court, and the Mavericks aimed to assert their dominance now and going forward.