New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks, 3/18/19 Predictions & Odds

Pelicans vs. Mavericks Prediction

A pair of struggling teams will meet Monday night in Dallas where the Mavericks will host the Pelicans at 8:30 p.m. ET. Given how both teams have played poorly over their previous 10 games, is New Orleans a live dog catching 4.5 points on the road?

Game Snapshot

545 New Orleans Pelicans at 546 Dallas Mavericks

8:30 p.m. ET, Monday, March 18, 2019

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Our NBA Live Odds page pulls spreads and totals from multiple different online sportsbooks so you can compare betting odds to ensure you’re getting the best line.

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook BetNow.eu, the Mavericks are 4.5-point favorites to beat the Pelicans. The total, meanwhile, sits at 230.5 points and as of this writing, 56% of the public betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Pelicans to cover the point spread.

New Orleans Pelicans Fantasy Spin

Jrue Holiday (abdominal strain) and E'Twaun Moore (quad) will remain on the sidelines for Monday's matchup with the Mavericks. Holiday and Moore were scheduled to be re-evaluated today, and while we didn't get word on those results, the fact that they've already been ruled out for Monday's game isn't a great sign. Alvin Gentry has hinted that both these guys could be headed for a shutdown, and with each missed game, that scenario becomes more and more likely. Frank Jackson and Kenrich Williams will continue to start with these two on the sidelines.

Dallas Mavericks Fantasy Spin

Luka Doncic (right knee contusion) is being listed as probable for Monday's matchup with the Pelicans. Doncic sat out Saturday's game, but it looks like the knee contusion will only force him to spend one game on the sidelines. With Doncic expected back in action tomorrow night, Dorian Finney-Smith or Tim Hardaway Jr. could return to the second unit and Trey Burke could drop out of the rotation entirely. Check back for another update following Monday's shootaround.

NBA Betting Trends

New Orleans

The Pelicans are 0-6 against the spread in their last six games overall and are 0-5 against the number in their last five games coming off a loss.

Dallas

The Mavericks are 3-1-1 against the spread in their last five games overall and have covered in four of their last five games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Prediction

Neither team is playing well and neither team is covering, but I do like the Pelicans tonight. The Mavericks have struggled to cover against losing teams, posting a 1-4-1 ATS record in their last six games against opponents that own a losing record. They’re also 1-4-2 against the spread in their last seven home games when facing a team with a road winning percentage that is less than .400. On the other side, the Pelicans are 6-2 at the betting window in their last eight road games when taking on an opponent with a winning home record. Given the issues of both teams, I’ll take the points in what looks like a coin-flip.

Monday NBA Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans +4.5