The Dallas Mavericks (2–5) return to the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night to host the New Orleans Pelicans (1–6), who just picked up their first win of the season in a tight finish against Charlotte. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM CT. Let’s scan the lines in search of value.

Both teams are battling injuries, but the Pelicans in particular are dealing with a severely limited rotation. Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Yves Missi are all out. Dallas, meanwhile, will be without Dante Exum, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving remains sidelined.

Advertisement

We often talk about a scheduled loss when a team is in a really bad situation. This might be the opposite — a scheduled win for Dallas. The Pelicans are on the second night of a back-to-back, traveling after an emotional first win of the season. The Mavericks are home, rested, and hungry to avoid slipping to 2–6.

This is the first of four matchups between these Southwest Division opponents.

Game Fixtures

November 5, 2025 — New Orleans Pelicans (1–6) at Dallas Mavericks (2–5)
Tipoff: 7:30 PM CT — American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
How To Watch: KFAA-TV

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 12:30 AM CST

Spread: Dallas -7.5 (-108) / New Orleans +7.5 (-112)
Total: 226.5 (O -112 / U -108)
Moneyline: DAL -298 / NO +240

Game Sides

Dallas -7.5
Under 226.5

The Mavericks are in a strong bounce-back spot against a Pelicans team that is not only shorthanded, but arriving on the second night of a back-to-back. Expect Dallas to control the tempo, limit transition chances, and pull away in the second half. With both teams missing key offensive weapons, the total projects a bit high — the under makes sense.

Player Props

D’Angelo Russell over 6 assists (+112)
Russell should have ample opportunity to initiate the offense, especially with the Pelicans potentially worn down from playing the night before. He’s logged 29 and 30 minutes in his last two games — a clear uptick from earlier in the season — and the Mavericks have looked more fluid when he’s on the floor. If Dallas plays downhill and gets out in transition, D Lo’s assist chances spike.

Advertisement

Trey Murphy III over 3 made threes (-116)
Murphy remains one of the most reliable volume three-point shooters in New Orleans’ rotation. He’s hit 5-of-10 from deep over his last two games, and with so many offensive pieces out for the Pelicans, he should have the green light again. Dallas ranks 5th in the league in 3P% allowed (33.2%), but Murphy’s role and volume give him a real shot to hit four or more in a game where New Orleans may be forced to chase from behind.