NBA · Final

Pelicans Edge Mavericks in Close Contest

101

Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · American Airlines Center

New Orleans Pelicans 101, Dallas Mavericks 97, 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?

New Orleans Pelicans beat Dallas Mavericks 101-97 at American Airlines Center on October 14, 2026.

Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks?

New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 101-97 at the American Airlines Center. This game marked the beginning of the series between these two teams, with the Pelicans now leading the head-to-head record 4-1 in their last five meetings. The Mavericks entered the game with a home record of 1-2, while the Pelicans boasted a better away record of 2-1.

The Mavericks have struggled recently, holding a record of 3-7 over their last ten games, and they were on a one-game winning streak prior to this loss. In their last five games, they averaged 125.0 points scored while allowing 125.8 points. Their recent performance included a victory against the Houston Rockets, where they won 132-115, but they also suffered a significant loss to the Rockets earlier in the season, falling 117-135 at home.

Conversely, the Pelicans have faced challenges of their own, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games, and they were on a one-game losing streak before this matchup. Their scoring average in the last five games was 126.8 points, but they allowed an average of 130.2 points. Their recent games included a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they triumphed 116-110, but they also lost to the Miami Heat 118-128.

Home and away performances have been a mixed bag for both teams. The Mavericks have a home record of 2-3, while the Pelicans have struggled on the road with a 1-6 record. Previous encounters between these teams this season saw the Mavericks winning once at home, but the Pelicans won three of the last four matchups, including a decisive 129-111 victory on March 17, 2026.

In terms of injuries, the Mavericks faced several day-to-day concerns, including Jett Howard (illness), Marcus Sasser (hip), Dereck Lively II (foot), Santi Aldama (knee), and Morez Johnson Jr. (rest). The Pelicans also had a player listed as day-to-day, with Dejounte Murray dealing with a toe issue. These injuries may have impacted team strategies and player rotations during the game.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, opened with the Pelicans favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 229.5. The moneyline showed the Mavericks at +124 and the Pelicans at -148, indicating a slight edge for New Orleans.

The game conditions were typical for an indoor basketball setting, with no significant weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams fought for an early-season victory.

As the game progressed, the Pelicans managed to maintain a narrow lead, highlighted by key scoring plays in the fourth quarter. Jaron Pierre Jr. and Seth Lundy contributed crucial free throws and a dunk that helped the Pelicans secure their lead. The Mavericks made a valiant effort to close the gap, but ultimately fell short, unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the final moments.

Overall, this matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams as they continue to navigate the early stages of the season. The Pelicans will look to build on this victory, while the Mavericks will aim to regroup and address their recent struggles.

What we said beforehand

The Dallas Mavericks will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center on October 15, 2026, marking the beginning of a new series between the two teams. Both teams come into this matchup with a record of 1-1, making this game a pivotal early-season contest.

The Mavericks have had a mixed start to their season, with their last five games showing a record of 2-3. They recently defeated the Houston Rockets 132-115 in their most recent outing but lost to the same team just two days earlier, 117-135. Their scoring average in the last five games is 125.0 points, while they have allowed an average of 125.8 points. At home, the Mavericks have a record of 2-3 in their last ten games and have averaged 118.2 points scored while allowing 125.8 points.

On the other hand, the Pelicans have also experienced ups and downs, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games. Their recent form shows a similar pattern, with a record of 2-3 in the last five games. They secured a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-110, but suffered a loss to the Miami Heat, 118-128, shortly after. The Pelicans have averaged 126.8 points scored and 130.2 points allowed in their last five games.

In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Mavericks have struggled against the Pelicans, holding a record of 1-3 in their last four encounters. Their last meeting resulted in a loss for the Mavericks, with the Pelicans winning 129-111 on March 17, 2026. The Mavericks did manage to secure a win earlier in the season on November 22, 2025, with a close score of 118-115.

Injuries could play a significant role in this matchup. The Mavericks have several players listed as day-to-day, including Jett Howard (illness), Marcus Sasser (hip), Dereck Lively II (foot), Santi Aldama (knee), and Morez Johnson Jr. (rest). The Pelicans also have Dejounte Murray listed as day-to-day due to a toe issue. The availability of these players could impact both teams' strategies and performance on the court.

The betting market has the Pelicans favored by 4.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 230.5 points. The odds for the Mavericks to win outright are +160, while the Pelicans are at -192.

As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how both teams adapt to their injury situations and how they perform in a crucial early-season matchup. The Mavericks will look to leverage their home court advantage, while the Pelicans aim to build momentum after their recent win.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	NO -2.5	229.5 o -115 / u -105	New Orleans Pelicans -148 · Dallas Mavericks +124

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

Injury report

Jett HowardDay-To-DayIllnessDallas Mavericks
Marcus SasserDay-To-DayHipDallas Mavericks
Dereck Lively IIDay-To-DayFootDallas Mavericks
Santi AldamaDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
Morez Johnson Jr.Day-To-DayRestDallas Mavericks
Dejounte MurrayDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans

Leaders

PointsTobi Lawal16Dallas Mavericks
AssistsSergio de Larrea6Dallas Mavericks
ReboundsP.J. Washington7Dallas Mavericks
PointsJeremiah Fears16New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsJeremiah Fears5New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsDerik Queen11New Orleans Pelicans

Recent form

Dallas Mavericks

Last 10: 3-7Streak W1118.2 scored · 125.8 allowed per game2-3 at home

W132-115at Houston RocketsOct 11
L117-135vs Houston RocketsOct 9
W149-128vs Chicago BullsApr 13
L120-139at San Antonio SpursApr 11
L107-112at Phoenix SunsApr 9
L103-116at LA ClippersApr 8
W134-128vs Los Angeles LakersApr 5
L127-138vs Orlando MagicApr 4
L99-123at Milwaukee BucksApr 1
L94-124vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 31

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 2-8Streak L1116.9 scored · 125.1 allowed per game1-6 away

L118-128at Miami HeatOct 8
W116-110at Oklahoma City ThunderOct 7
L126-132at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 13
L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4
L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
L102-134vs Houston RocketsMar 29
L106-119at Toronto RaptorsMar 28

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Memphis	-	1	W1	.667	2
New Orleans	-	1	W1	.667	2
Houston	0.5	1	L1	.500	1
Dallas	1	2	L1	.333	1
San Antonio	1.5	3	W1	.250	1

Box score

Stat	New Orleans Pelicans	Dallas Mavericks
Field goals	34-75	30-84
Field goal %	45	36
Three-pointers	8-27	10-49
Three-point %	30	20
Free throws	25-38	27-32
Free throw %	66	84
Rebounds	40	47
Offensive rebounds	8	19
Defensive rebounds	32	28
Assists	19	21
Steals	14	8
Blocks	7	10
Turnovers	19	25
Team turnovers	2	2
Technical fouls	2	0
Technical fouls, total	2	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	16	27
Fast-break points	23	8
Points in the paint	50	38
Fouls	28	32
Largest lead	14	2
Lead changes	9	9
Time in front	89	6

How the scoring went

4th Quarter77-63Bryce McGowens makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter77-66John Poulakidas makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zaccharie Risacher assists)
4th Quarter78-66Trendon Watford makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter78-68Zaccharie Risacher makes running dunk
4th Quarter79-68Bryce McGowens makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter80-68Bryce McGowens makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter80-70Tarik Biberovic makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter82-70Julian Reese makes layup (Bryce McGowens assists)
4th Quarter82-71Jorge Diaz Graham makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter85-71Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter85-72Tobi Lawal makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter85-73Tobi Lawal makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter85-76Sergio de Larrea makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tarik Biberovic assists)
4th Quarter85-78Tarik Biberovic makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter87-78AJ Johnson makes running layup (Jaron Pierre Jr. assists)
4th Quarter87-79Sergio de Larrea makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter87-80Sergio de Larrea makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter88-80AJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter90-80Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter90-82Jorge Diaz Graham makes two point shot
4th Quarter90-83Tobi Lawal makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter90-84Tobi Lawal makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter92-84Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 4-foot two point shot
4th Quarter92-85John Poulakidas makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter92-86John Poulakidas makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter93-86Jalon Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter95-86AJ Johnson makes two point shot
4th Quarter95-89Tarik Biberovic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jorge Diaz Graham assists)
4th Quarter95-90Seth Lundy makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter95-91Seth Lundy makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter96-91AJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter97-91AJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter98-91Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter98-92Seth Lundy makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter98-93Seth Lundy makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter98-95Seth Lundy makes dunk
4th Quarter99-95Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter100-95Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter100-97John Poulakidas makes 5-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter101-97AJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Dallas Mavericks, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.

Venue

American Airlines CenterDallas, TX
Attendance17140
OfficialsSean Wright, Michael Smith, Jenna Schroeder, Simone Jelks, Biniam Maru, Ed Malloy, Nate Green, Brett Nansel