Mavericks vs. Pelicans: Game 59 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (35-23) at New Orleans Pelicans (23-33)
Feb. 26, 7:05 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 7 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 4 at New Orleans
Mavs 100 Pelicans 97
Jan. 10 at New Orleans
Mavs 107 Pelicans 90
Jan. 11 at Dallas
Mavs 110 Pelicans 107

All-Time Series
Mavs 47 Hornets-Pelicans 23

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense:4th (110.8)
Defense: 23rd (108.4)
Pelicans
Offense: 11th (107.1)
Defense: 27th (109.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Pelicans
PG: Brian Roberts
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu
PF:Anthony Davis
C: Greg Stiemsma

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.7
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.6
Pelicans
PPG: Davis, 20.5
RPG: Davis, 10.2
APG: Holiday, 7.9
PER: Davis, 26.4

Notes
During the Mavs 3-0 road trip they averaged 115.7 points per game. The Pelicans have lost 4 in a row and 6 out of 7, and will likely lose a lottery pick to Philadelphia due to their trade for the injured Jrue Holiday. Dallas has taken 6 games in a row from New Orleans. The Mavericks have also won 21 out of the last 23 games the two teams have played in Dallas. Last night was Dirk's 13th game-winning shot in the last 10 seconds of a game since 05-06. He is tied with Carmelo Anthony as the NBA leader in that span.