Will Luka Doncic Play Tonight? New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks- Team News, Lineups, and Predictions

The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Dallas Mavericks tonight. The Mavericks have endured a difficult start to the season.

Despite having one of the best players in the NBA in Luka Doncic, the Mavs have struggled to beat teams on numerous occasions. Currently, the Mavs are below 500 in the Western Conference, and risk missing the Playoffs at this rate.

The New Orleans Pelicans, on the other hand, have had a similar record. They currently have an 11-13 record this season. Players like Brandon Ingram have performed well on certain occasions, but have failed to perform consistently.

Lonzo Ball has struggled this season, and the Pelicans have failed to capitalize on the potential of their young players. With that in mind, let us take a look at the Pelicans vs Mavericks match-up.

New Orleans Pelicans- Team news

The Pelicans have all members of their roster at tip-top and available. They will put their strongest line-up forward with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram as undisputed starters.

Other players like Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, Steven Adams, Jaxson Hayes, and JJ Reddick can be expected to play as well. However, they haven’t decided their lineup.

Predicted Lineup: Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Steven Adams

Dallas Mavericks- Team news

Much like the Pelicans, the Mavericks have all their players healthy and available for the game. Kristaps Porzingis is back and playing himself back into form after a lengthy layoff.

Luka Doncic will undoubtedly start. Whereas, Porzingis, Maxi Kleber, and Josh Richardson could be expected to play a role.

Predicted Lineup: Luka Doncic, Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Kristaps Porzingis

READ MORE- How Can Luka Doncic Help the Mavericks Get Back on Track?

New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks- Prediction

The Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans have both been inconsistent. Both teams have struggled to win games that they were expected to, but put on good performances, winning games that they were touted to lose. Given the quality that the Dallas Mavericks have in Luka Doncic, who is playing at an MVP level, they should win.

Prediction: Dallas Mavericks defeat the Pelicans after a strong Luka masterclass.

Who will emerge triumphant between the Mavs and Pelicans? Both teams are in dire need of a win to build momentum. Their goals are the same – reach the Playoffs and avoid a potential play-in game.

However, given the challenges in the Western Conference, they will have to fight tooth and nail to get wins to be in that position.

READ MORE- Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Thinks He Should Be Excluded From the MVP Conversation This Year