Mavericks Edge Pelicans in Thrilling Finish
Friday, November 21, 2025, 8:30 PM ET · American Airlines Center
Dallas Mavericks 118, New Orleans Pelicans 115, 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 New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks?
Dallas Mavericks beat New Orleans Pelicans 118-115 at American Airlines Center on November 21, 2025.
In a tightly contested matchup at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 118-115. This victory not only ties the series at 1-1 but also marks a crucial moment for both teams as they navigate challenging early-season records. The Mavericks now hold a home record of 5-12, while the Pelicans sit at 2-14 on the season.
The Mavericks have struggled in their recent games, recording a 2-8 mark over their last ten outings. They are currently on a two-game losing streak, having lost to the New York Knicks by a narrow margin of 111-113 just two days prior to this game. Their average points scored in the last ten games stands at 111.6, while they have allowed an average of 117.2 points per game. At home, Dallas has managed only one win in their last six games, with a home record of 1-5 in that span.
The Pelicans have faced even tougher times, suffering a seven-game losing streak leading into this matchup. Their recent form shows a record of 2-8 over the last ten games, with an average of 109.4 points scored and 121.3 points allowed. New Orleans has struggled both at home and on the road, managing just one win in their last six away games, which contributes to their 1-5 record in that context.
Historically, the Mavericks have had the upper hand in recent meetings, holding a 3-2 record against the Pelicans. Their last encounter on November 6, 2025, ended in a narrow defeat for the Mavericks, who lost 99-101. However, they had previously secured victories against New Orleans earlier in the season, including a notable win on February 22, 2025, with a score of 111-103.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Mavericks had three players listed as day-to-day: Santi Aldama (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), and Dereck Lively II (foot). The Pelicans also had two players on the injury report, with Micah Peavy (rest) and Bryce McGowens (toe) both listed as day-to-day. The status of these players could significantly impact both teams as they move forward in the season.
The betting market reflected the competitive nature of this game, with odds provided by the market indicating a close contest. The Mavericks were favored to win, with a probability of 1.0 to secure the victory, which aligns with the final outcome.
The game was marked by a series of critical scoring plays in the fourth quarter, showcasing the intensity and back-and-forth nature of the contest. Zion Williamson made a significant impact for the Pelicans, scoring crucial points to keep the game tight, including a driving floating jump shot and several free throws that brought the Pelicans within striking distance. However, the Mavericks responded effectively, with key contributions from players like Cooper Flagg and Max Christie, who sealed the game with free throws in the closing moments.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of resilience from both teams, highlighting their determination to overcome early-season struggles. The Mavericks' ability to secure a win at home could serve as a much-needed confidence boost as they continue to seek improvement in their performance. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will need to regroup and address their ongoing challenges as they look to turn their season around.
Injury report
- Santi AldamaDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
- Kyrie IrvingDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
- Dereck Lively IIDay-To-DayFootDallas Mavericks
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
Leaders
- PointsCooper Flagg29Dallas Mavericks
- AssistsBrandon Williams12Dallas Mavericks
- ReboundsP.J. Washington9Dallas Mavericks
- PointsTrey Murphy III25New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsDerik Queen11New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsHerbert Jones9New Orleans Pelicans
Recent form
Dallas Mavericks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L2111.6 scored · 117.2 allowed per game1-5 at home
- L111-113vs New York KnicksNov 20
- L96-120at Minnesota TimberwolvesNov 18
- W138-133vs Portland Trail BlazersNov 17
- L127-133vs LA ClippersNov 15
- L114-123vs Phoenix SunsNov 13
- L114-116vs Milwaukee BucksNov 11
- W111-105at Washington WizardsNov 9
- L104-118at Memphis GrizzliesNov 8
- L99-101vs New Orleans PelicansNov 6
- L102-110at Houston RocketsNov 4
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 2-8Streak L7109.4 scored · 121.3 allowed per game1-3 away
- L118-125vs Denver NuggetsNov 20
- L109-126vs Oklahoma City ThunderNov 18
- L106-124vs Golden State WarriorsNov 17
- L104-118vs Los Angeles LakersNov 15
- L117-125vs Portland Trail BlazersNov 13
- L98-121at Phoenix SunsNov 11
- L119-126at San Antonio SpursNov 9
- W101-99at Dallas MavericksNov 6
- W116-112vs Charlotte HornetsNov 5
- L106-137at Oklahoma City ThunderNov 2
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 | New Orleans Pelicans | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 42-91 | 40-84 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 7-27 | 16-43 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 37 |
| Free throws | 24-31 | 22-28 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 36 |
| Assists | 25 | 30 |
| Steals | 15 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 20 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 64 | 40 |
| Fouls | 20 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 4 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter89-85Zion Williamson makes two point shot (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter89-86Dereck Lively II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-87Dereck Lively II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-87Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-89P.J. Washington makes 1-foot driving dunk (Brandon Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter92-89Micah Peavy makes alley oop dunk shot (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter92-92P.J. Washington makes 23-foot three point jumper (Caleb Martin assists)
- 4th Quarter93-92Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-92Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-93Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-94Cooper Flagg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-96Max Christie makes 1-foot dunk (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 4th Quarter94-97Brandon Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-98Brandon Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-98Trey Murphy III makes 3-foot two point shot (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter98-98Jeremiah Fears makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter99-98Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter99-100Cooper Flagg makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter101-100Derik Queen makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter101-101Max Christie makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter101-103Cooper Flagg makes driving layup (Daniel Gafford assists)
- 4th Quarter103-103Jeremiah Fears makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter105-103Derik Queen makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter105-104Naji Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-105Naji Marshall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-105Derik Queen makes 7-foot two point shot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter108-105Trey Murphy III makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter108-106Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-108Max Christie makes two point shot (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 4th Quarter110-108Herbert Jones makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-110Cooper Flagg makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-111Cooper Flagg makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter112-111Zion Williamson makes 1-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter113-111Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter114-111Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-111Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-113Cooper Flagg makes 10-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter115-116Naji Marshall makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cooper Flagg assists)
- 4th Quarter115-117Max Christie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-118Max Christie makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Dallas Mavericks, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.
Venue
- American Airlines CenterDallas, TX
- Attendance18506
- OfficialsBill Kennedy, Jason Goldenberg, Dannica Baroody
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These two, other days
- Pelicans Edge Mavericks in Close ContestOct 14, 2026
- Pelicans Dominate Mavericks in 129-111 VictoryMar 16, 2026
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