NBA · Final

Pelicans Edge Mavericks in Close Contest

113

119

Monday, December 22, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

New Orleans Pelicans 119, Dallas Mavericks 113, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans?

New Orleans Pelicans beat Dallas Mavericks 119-113 at Smoothie King Center on December 22, 2025.

Who was favored in Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Dallas Mavericks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans secured a 119-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center. This win brings the Pelicans' record to 9-22, while the Mavericks fall to 11-20. This game was significant as it marked the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with the Pelicans now leading the series 3-1.

The Pelicans have shown a resurgence in form, winning four of their last five games, with an impressive average of 130.0 points scored during this stretch. Their recent victories include a 128-109 win against the Indiana Pacers and a 133-128 win over the Houston Rockets. In their last ten games, the Pelicans have a record of 4-6, with an average of 122.6 points scored and 122.6 points allowed, indicating a balanced offensive and defensive performance.

Conversely, the Mavericks have struggled recently, dropping their last game to the Philadelphia 76ers 114-121, which snapped a brief two-game winning streak. Over their last ten games, Dallas holds a record of 6-4, with an average of 119.7 points scored and 119.5 points allowed. Their away record stands at 2-4, highlighting their difficulties on the road compared to their home performance, where they have been more successful.

In terms of previous encounters, the Pelicans and Mavericks have had a competitive series in recent seasons. The last game before this matchup saw the Pelicans win 101-99 on November 6, 2025. Overall, the Pelicans have won three of the last four meetings, showcasing their ability to compete effectively against the Mavericks.

Injury concerns were present for both teams heading into the game. The Pelicans had Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day, while the Mavericks were dealing with injuries to Santi Aldama, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II, all of whom were also day-to-day. The status of these players could have impacted the strategies employed by both teams during the game.

Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Mavericks were favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 241.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with the Pelicans showing promise in their recent form, making them a formidable opponent despite their overall record.

The game conditions were favorable for basketball, with both teams looking to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Key moments in the fourth quarter included crucial free throws and layups from Zion Williamson and Naji Marshall, which helped the Pelicans maintain their lead in the closing minutes. Williamson's performance was particularly notable, as he contributed significantly to the Pelicans' scoring efforts.

As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of offensive skill from both sides, with the Pelicans ultimately managing to secure the win. The final score of 119-113 reflects the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams battling for crucial points throughout the game. The Pelicans' ability to execute down the stretch proved decisive, allowing them to emerge victorious.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	DAL -1.5	241.5 o -105 / u -115	Dallas Mavericks -112 · New Orleans Pelicans -108

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
Santi AldamaDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
Kyrie IrvingDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
Dereck Lively IIDay-To-DayFootDallas Mavericks

Leaders

PointsZion Williamson24New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsDerik Queen6New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsDerik Queen10New Orleans Pelicans
PointsAnthony Davis35Dallas Mavericks
AssistsRyan Nembhard8Dallas Mavericks
ReboundsAnthony Davis17Dallas Mavericks

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 4-6Streak W4122.6 scored · 122.6 allowed per game3-3 at home

W128-109vs Indiana PacersDec 21
W133-128vs Houston RocketsDec 19
W114-104at Chicago BullsDec 15
W143-120vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 12
L132-135vs San Antonio SpursDec 9
L101-119at Brooklyn NetsDec 6
L116-125vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 5
L142-149vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 3
L121-133at Los Angeles LakersDec 1
L96-104at Golden State WarriorsNov 30

Dallas Mavericks

Last 10: 6-4Streak L1119.7 scored · 119.5 allowed per game2-4 away

L114-121at Philadelphia 76ersDec 21
W116-114vs Detroit PistonsDec 19
L133-140at Utah JazzDec 16
W119-111vs Brooklyn NetsDec 13
W122-109vs Houston RocketsDec 7
L111-132at Oklahoma City ThunderDec 6
W118-108vs Miami HeatDec 4
W131-121at Denver NuggetsDec 2
W114-110at LA ClippersNov 30
L119-129at Los Angeles LakersNov 29

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
San Antonio	-	20	L1	.756	62
Houston	10	30	W1	.634	52
New Orleans	36	56	L2	.317	26
Dallas	36	56	W1	.317	26
Memphis	37	57	L8	.305	25

Box score

Stat	Dallas Mavericks	New Orleans Pelicans
Field goals	46-104	44-97
Field goal %	44	45
Three-pointers	10-33	8-34
Three-point %	30	24
Free throws	11-21	23-27
Free throw %	52	85
Rebounds	57	51
Offensive rebounds	18	14
Defensive rebounds	39	37
Assists	29	28
Steals	9	9
Blocks	5	2
Turnovers	16	12
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	1	0
Technical fouls, total	1	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	20	14
Fast-break points	28	11
Points in the paint	66	72
Fouls	19	16
Largest lead	11	11
Lead changes	9	9
Time in front	54	36

How the scoring went

4th Quarter87-81Saddiq Bey makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
4th Quarter89-81Anthony Davis makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (Caleb Martin assists)
4th Quarter90-81Anthony Davis makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter90-82Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter90-83Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter91-83Jaden Hardy makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter92-83Jaden Hardy makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter94-83Anthony Davis makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Brandon Williams assists)
4th Quarter94-86Jordan Poole makes 26-foot three pointer (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter94-87Jordan Poole makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter94-88Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter94-90Jordan Poole makes layup (Trey Murphy III assists)
4th Quarter96-90Cooper Flagg makes running layup
4th Quarter96-92Derik Queen makes 10-foot fade away jump shot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter98-92Brandon Williams makes driving layup (Cooper Flagg assists)
4th Quarter98-94Saddiq Bey makes driving layup (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter98-95Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter98-98Jordan Poole makes 23-foot running jump shot (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter98-101Trey Murphy III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter100-101Anthony Davis makes 4-foot turnaround jump shot (Ryan Nembhard assists)
4th Quarter102-101Ryan Nembhard makes running layup (Anthony Davis assists)
4th Quarter102-103Derik Queen makes driving layup
4th Quarter103-103Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter103-104Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter103-105Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter103-107Zion Williamson makes 3-foot layup (Jose Alvarado assists)
4th Quarter103-109Saddiq Bey makes driving layup (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter103-111Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Jordan Poole assists)
4th Quarter103-112Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter103-113Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-113P.J. Washington makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cooper Flagg assists)
4th Quarter106-114Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter106-115Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-117Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter108-117Anthony Davis makes tip shot
4th Quarter109-117Cooper Flagg makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter111-117Naji Marshall makes running layup
4th Quarter113-117Naji Marshall makes running layup (Anthony Davis assists)
4th Quarter113-118Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter113-119Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2