The Pelicans will travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. This will be the second time that these two teams have matched up this season, as the Pelicans won the first meeting, 113-111.
Brandon Ingram OUT, Luka Doncic QUESTIONABLE for Pelicans vs. Mavericks game
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The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a 119-108 victory over the Houston Rockets. They played well on defense, and if they want to challenge the Mavericks in this game, they must continue to contest shots near the rim and on the perimeter.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are both out with injuries. While Willy Hernangomez and Larry Nance Jr. are both questionable for this game.
According to Andrew Lopez of ESPN.com, Brandon Ingram (toe) stated on Friday that he hopes to return during the Pelicans’ upcoming five-game road trip.
Beginning Saturday in Dallas, New Orleans will play five road games in the next ten days. Ingram, who hasn’t played since Nov. 25, hopes to return during one of those games, but even if cleared, it may take some time for him to shake off the rust and get back to full strength.
Prior to his absence, Ingram had scored at least 20 points in eight of his fourteen appearances, averaging 21.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 33.1 minutes.
The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 124-95 loss to the Boston Celtics. They struggled on the offensive end of the court, shooting 37.8% from the field. If they want to take care of business at home, they will have to be more efficient in this one.
Luka Doncic is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Pelicans due to left ankle soreness.
Doncic ended his streak of six consecutive games with 30 or more points by scoring 23 points in 31 minutes against Boston on Thursday, and he’s dealing with an ankle injury as a result of the game. However, he does not appear to be in serious danger of missing time against the Saints. The 23-year-old has averaged 37.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.9 steals in 37.3 minutes per game over his last nine appearances.
Dorian Finney-Smith (Hip), Maxi Kleber (Hamstring), and Josh Green (Elbow) are listed as out for this game.
