Pelicans and Mavericks Clash After Major Trades

DALLAS — The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. CST in their first game since the All-Star break.

Both teams have undergone significant changes following the recent trade deadline. The Pelicans traded former All-Star forward Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors and backup center Daniel Theis to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a major shift, the Mavericks exchanged former guard Luka Doncic for forward Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal that could have lasting implications for both franchises.

The Pelicans enter this matchup with the worst record in the Western Conference at 13-42, already out of playoff contention. The team is utilizing the remainder of the season to provide younger players with additional experience. In the latest injury report, New Orleans has listed four players as out: Dejounte Murray (Achilles), Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Boston (ankle sprain), and Keion Brooks Jr. Starting center Yves Missi is questionable due to knee hypertension, but Kelly Olynyk, recently acquired, is expected to debut.

The Mavericks are also dealing with injury concerns. Anthony Davis (abductor strain), Daniel Gafford (knee sprain), Dereck Lively II (stress fracture), and forward Caleb Martin (hip strain) are all unavailable for Friday’s game, with Dwight Powell listed as doubtful due to a similar issue. This matchup is vital as it represents the fourth and final encounter between the two teams this season, with Dallas leading the series 2-1.

The previous two games between these teams were closely contested, decided by a combined total of just four points. The Mavericks are eager to build momentum following the All-Star break, having suffered a tough loss to Miami last week, where Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson sat out. Both players have returned to fitness and are not listed on the injury report for Friday’s game. Power forward P.J. Washington is also listed as questionable, but he is projected to start against the Pelicans.

Following tonight’s game, the Mavericks will travel to California for a matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Sunday and then face the Lakers on Tuesday, where they will see Doncic for the first time since the trade.

Fans can watch the game on KFAA, which is set to provide a clear broadcast of the action from the American Airlines Center.