The Dallas Mavericks return to American Airlines Center on Friday night still searching for ways to navigate a razor-thin margin of error that has defined the early part of their season.
After Wednesday’s 113–111 loss to the Knicks — one decided by a controversial offensive foul in the final second — Dallas enters its matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans at 4–12 but encouraged by their improved competitiveness despite missing key players.
New Orleans arrives in Dallas dealing with its own turmoil. The Pelicans fired Willie Green last week after a 2–10 start and have opened the James Borrego era 0–3. Both teams sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a combined 6–25 record.
Friday’s game is also Group Play Game No. 3 of the NBA Cup, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. CST on WFAA, KFAA-29, and MavsTV Stream.
How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Date: Friday, November 21
Time: 7:30 p.m. CST
Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas
TV: WFAA, KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX
Tickets: Mavs.com
NBA Cup: Group Play Game No. 3 (Dr Pepper Cup Nights)
Fan Giveaway: Dr Pepper Cup Nights Souvenir Cup (first 10,000 fans)
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks Show Signs of Life Despite Losses
Wednesday’s loss to New York was crushing, but it was also one of the Mavericks’ most resilient efforts of the season. Despite missing Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, Dallas executed its late-game sideline play to perfection before Brandon Williams’ bucket was waved off for an offensive foul with 0.7 seconds left.
Jason Kidd praised the execution on the final possession:
“Great execution, great catch, great pass by D-Live,” Kidd said. “We had a good look, and they called a foul.”
The Mavericks stayed within striking distance despite P.J. Washington going 1-of-12 from the floor. Kidd emphasized that Washington still impacted the game:
“When P.J. goes 1-for-12, a lot of times you don’t think you’re going to be in the game,” Kidd said. “But that’s P.J.’s ability to fight on the defensive end.”
Washington finished with 10 rebounds and three steals.
The performance showed what the Mavericks have lacked all season: competitiveness even when shots aren’t falling. But with such limited roster depth, one cold night from a key contributor often becomes the difference between winning and losing.
New Orleans Pelicans Facing Its Own Crisis
The Pelicans enter Dallas with significant instability of their own. After firing Willie Green, New Orleans has dropped three straight under James Borrego, including a 125–118 loss to Denver on Tuesday.
Rookie Derik Queen scored 30 against the Nuggets, while Zion Williamson returned with 14 points after missing eight games. But the Pelicans allowed a Nikola Jokic triple-double and 32 points from Peyton Watson — a sign that their defensive issues remain unsolved.
At 2–13, New Orleans is battling Dallas and Sacramento to stay out of the Western Conference basement.
Shorthanded Dallas Mavericks Continue Grueling Schedule
Friday marks the fourth game in a stretch of five games in seven days, and Dallas is finishing a run of nine games in 15 days. Three of those games have gone to overtime.
After Friday, the Mavericks play Memphis on Saturday, then travel to Miami for Monday’s matchup — their first multi-day break since late October comes only after that trip.
The announcement of Dante Exum being out for the season removes another piece of needed guard depth. Exum shot 47% from three the previous two years and averaged eight points for Dallas during that span.
Bench Providing Unexpected Scoring
One positive development: Dallas finally received simultaneous 20-point performances from two reserves. Naji Marshall and D’Angelo Russell each scored 23 against New York — the first time this season the Mavericks had two bench players reach 20 in the same game.
Russell has quietly made history with three 20-5-5 games off the bench, the first player in league history to do so in a single season.
Marshall kept his focus after the loss:
“It is what it is,” he said. “On to the next one.”
What’s at Stake
Both teams are searching for stability. Dallas is trying to avoid falling deeper into an early-season hole as it navigates a brutal schedule and missing half its rotation. New Orleans is looking for its first win under Borrego and to climb out of the West cellar.
The Mavericks have been competitive in several close contests but are just 1–3 in games decided by two points or fewer. Kidd acknowledged the challenge:
“We’ve got to learn to value the ball and be able to execute down the stretch and it’ll turn,” Kidd said. “When you play enough of these… you go through tough losses. But you stay together.”
With Cooper Flagg back and Caleb Martin available, Friday offers another chance for Dallas to capitalize on a matchup against a struggling opponent — something they’ve rarely had this season.
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