The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 22 for an NBA Cup West Group B matchup. Both teams sit at 0-2 in group play. The Pelicans stunned Dallas back on Nov. 5 with a 101-99 win. Now they’re hunting for a second straight victory on the road.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Saddiq Bey had 22 points and 9 rebounds in the first matchup.
- Both teams are 0-2 in the NBA Cup West Group B standings.
- The Mavericks are 4-12 overall; Pelicans sit at 2-13.
- Dallas is favored at -175 moneyline odds.
- Zion Williamson cleared for contact and returned Nov. 19.
Lightning Strikes in Dallas
The Pelicans pulled off something magical in their last visit to the American Airlines Center. Saddiq Bey led the charge with season-high numbers. His 22 points and 9 rebounds proved decisive in the 101-99 thriller. Derik Queen chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.
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That close finish showed New Orleans has what it takes to win tough road games. But repeating against a team hungry for answers is never easy. The Mavericks will want revenge. Still, the Pelicans have momentum from that impressive performance.
Getting within 2 points of Dallas is no small feat on the road. The first matchup proved the gap between these teams isn’t as wide as records suggest.
Both Teams Fighting Desperation Mode
Here’s the situation: both squads are struggling hard. The Mavericks sit just ahead in records at 4-12 overall. The Pelicans are battling at 2-13. But here’s what matters most—they’re tied at 0-2 in group play.
The NBA Cup standings show zero room for error. Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers are dominating at 2-0 in Group B. Memphis Grizzlies sit at 1-1. For Dallas and New Orleans, this game is basically a must-win for playoff tournament hopes.
Losing again puts teams in serious jeopardy. The Pelicans need to prove the first win wasn’t a fluke. Winners move forward. Losers face even tougher matchups ahead.
Stats That Tell the Story
Head-to-head records favor Dallas heavily in recent seasons. The all-time series shows the Mavericks leading 57-30 against New Orleans. But that doesn’t matter much in tight contests like the Nov. 5 game proved.
| Matchup | Pelicans | Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 2-13 | 4-12 |
| Group B Record | 0-2 | 0-2 |
| All-Time H2H | 30 wins | 57 wins |
| Last Meeting (11/5) | Won 101-99 | Lost 99-101 |
| Moneyline Odds | +145 | -175 |
Betting markets favor Dallas entering this rematch. But New Orleans proved they can execute when it matters. That first-round win already rewrote some narratives.
Key Storylines Worth Monitoring
- Can Saddiq Bey repeat his 22-point performance from Nov. 5?
- Zion Williamson is back after hamstring recovery. Game shape matters early.
- Dallas needs to tighten up defensively after the Nov. 5 loss.
- Group standings could shift dramatically with this winner-gets-closer-to-playoff-hopes outcome.
- Luka Doncic‘s ankle remains probable but he’s expected to suit up.
Can New Orleans Pull Off the Upset Again?
The Pelicans face 4-point underdog status in some sportsbooks. But they’ve already shown Dallas on the road is beatable. Home court usually matters, but momentum swings matter more in tournament basketball.
Victory gives New Orleans life in group play. A second loss pushes them toward elimination conversations way too early. The Mavericks feel similar pressure sitting at 0-2.
Who steps up bigger—Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, or the rest of this Pelicans squad? Can Dallas finally dominate at home? That’s Friday night’s central storyline.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official game reports and standings
- ESPN – Box scores and injury reports
- USA Today – NBA Cup standings and analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.