Mavericks Seek Recovery Against Struggling Pelicans

Dallas, TX – The Dallas Mavericks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season as they prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The Mavericks enter the game with a 2-5 record after a tough eight-point loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday night, where they managed to score only 102 points.

Missing from Monday’s lineup was star forward Anthony Davis, who is out with a calf injury. Davis has also been ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Pelicans, who are struggling themselves with a record of just 1-6 after earning their first win of the season against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.

The Mavericks are favored to win on their home court at the American Airlines Center, setting the line at -7.5. This game presents a chance for head coach Jason Kidd and his team to improve their offensive game, especially against a Pelicans squad ranked among the worst in defensive efficiency.

Despite their struggles, the Mavericks are currently 5-2 against the under in total points this season. They rank last in the NBA for offensive rating but hold a strong eighth position defensively, allowing the fewest three-pointers per game. This context is critical as both teams will be playing without key offensive players; the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson is also out for at least a week due to a hamstring injury.

Analytics suggest a potential low-scoring game, as the Pelicans also rank 27th in offensive rating and 29th in effective field goal percentage.

The matchup will tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST, and fans are eager to see if the Mavericks can find their rhythm and take advantage of the Pelicans’ defensive woes.