Pelicans Dominate Mavericks in 129-111 Victory
Monday, March 16, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans 129, Dallas Mavericks 111, 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 129-111 at Smoothie King Center on March 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
The New Orleans Pelicans secured a decisive 129-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center, further establishing their dominance in the season series, now leading 3-1. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 23-46, but the Pelicans showcased a stronger recent form, particularly at home, where they have been more competitive. In their last ten games, the Pelicans recorded a 6-4 record, averaging 118.9 points scored per game while allowing 115.6. Despite a recent loss to the Houston Rockets, they had won three of their previous four games at home before this matchup.
In contrast, the Mavericks struggled with a 2-8 record over their last ten games, although they managed to snap a losing streak with a recent win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They averaged only 105.5 points scored while allowing 119.2, reflecting their ongoing difficulties on both ends of the court. The Mavericks' away form has been particularly poor, with a 2-5 record in their last seven games away from home.
The matchup also featured notable injuries impacting both teams. The Pelicans had Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day, while the Mavericks faced uncertainty with Santi Aldama, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II all also day-to-day. These absences could have influenced the game dynamics, especially given the importance of key players in high-stakes matchups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pelicans favored at -8.5 against the spread, with a total set at 240.5 points. The home money line was priced at -340.0, while the away money line for the Mavericks was at 270.0, indicating a strong belief in a Pelicans victory.
Conditions for the game were favorable, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. The Pelicans' recent scoring surge was evident as they consistently found ways to penetrate the Mavericks' defense, while the Mavericks struggled to maintain pace, particularly in the second half.
As the game progressed, the Pelicans displayed their offensive prowess, with Jordan Hawkins contributing significantly in the fourth quarter, scoring crucial points that helped seal the victory. The Pelicans' ability to execute in critical moments contrasted sharply with the Mavericks, who could not find a rhythm or answer to the Pelicans' offensive onslaught.
Overall, the Pelicans' victory not only solidified their standing in the season series against the Mavericks but also highlighted their potential as they continue to build momentum late in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -8.5 | 240.5 o -110 / u -110 | Dallas Mavericks +270 · New Orleans Pelicans -340 |
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 Williamson27New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsTrey Murphy III7New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsKarlo Matkovic10New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsNaji Marshall32Dallas Mavericks
- AssistsCooper Flagg8Dallas Mavericks
- ReboundsMarvin Bagley III9Dallas Mavericks
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1118.9 scored · 115.6 allowed per game3-0 at home
- L105-107at Houston RocketsMar 14
- W122-111vs Toronto RaptorsMar 12
- W138-118vs Washington WizardsMar 8
- L116-118at Phoenix SunsMar 7
- W133-123at Sacramento KingsMar 6
- L101-110at Los Angeles LakersMar 4
- L117-137at LA ClippersMar 2
- W115-105at Utah JazzMar 1
- W129-118at Utah JazzFeb 27
- W113-109vs Golden State WarriorsFeb 25
Dallas Mavericks
Last 10: 2-8Streak W1105.5 scored · 119.2 allowed per game2-5 away
- W130-120at Cleveland CavaliersMar 15
- L105-138vs Cleveland CavaliersMar 13
- W120-112at Memphis GrizzliesMar 13
- L112-124at Atlanta HawksMar 10
- L92-122at Toronto RaptorsMar 8
- L100-120at Boston CelticsMar 7
- L114-115at Orlando MagicMar 6
- L90-117at Charlotte HornetsMar 4
- L87-100vs Oklahoma City ThunderMar 2
- L105-124vs Memphis GrizzliesFeb 28
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 | 44-104 | 48-95 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 14-39 | 11-35 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 31 |
| Free throws | 9-14 | 22-34 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 51 | 57 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 38 | 45 |
| Assists | 27 | 31 |
| Steals | 10 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 12 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 39 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 58 | 68 |
| Fouls | 22 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 12 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter76-89P.J. Washington makes 25-foot three point jumper (Naji Marshall assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-92Jeremiah Fears makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter78-92AJ Johnson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter78-94Trey Murphy III makes two point shot (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-96Karlo Matkovic makes 2-foot hook shot
- 3rd Quarter80-96Naji Marshall makes 4-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter82-96P.J. Washington makes running dunk (Khris Middleton assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-96Naji Marshall makes driving layup (Dwight Powell assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-99Karlo Matkovic makes 23-foot three point jumper (Herbert Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-100Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-101Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-103Jeremiah Fears makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter86-103Naji Marshall makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter86-105Jeremiah Fears makes 2-foot layup (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter88-105Marvin Bagley III makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-105Naji Marshall makes 26-foot running jump shot (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 4th Quarter91-108Derik Queen makes 22-foot three point jumper (Yves Missi assists)
- 4th Quarter91-110Jordan Poole makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter93-110Cooper Flagg makes 7-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter95-110Cooper Flagg makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter96-110Naji Marshall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-112Saddiq Bey makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter98-112Cooper Flagg makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter100-112Cooper Flagg makes 3-foot layup (Marvin Bagley III assists)
- 4th Quarter100-114Trey Murphy III makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot (Yves Missi assists)
- 4th Quarter102-114Naji Marshall makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter102-116Zion Williamson makes 1-foot layup (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter102-117Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-119Saddiq Bey makes 8-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-119Cooper Flagg makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-119Ryan Nembhard makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter106-122Karlo Matkovic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
- 4th Quarter106-123Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-124Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-124Tyler Smith makes running dunk (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter109-124Tyler Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-127Jordan Hawkins makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot (Micah Peavy assists)
- 4th Quarter111-127AJ Johnson makes 2-foot layup (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter111-128Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-129Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Dallas Mavericks.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance16787
- OfficialsSean Wright, Kevin Cutler, Mousa Dagher
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