New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks, 12/26/18 Predictions & Odds

Pelicans vs. Mavericks Prediction

On Wednesday night, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves as a small underdog to the Dallas Mavericks at 8:30 p.m. ET. What’s the best play on the board for bettors?

Game Snapshot

581 New Orleans Pelicans at 582 Dallas Mavericks

8:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, December 26, 2018

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 2.5-point favorites to beat the Pelicans. The total, meanwhile, sits at 228 points and as of this writing, 56% of the public betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Mavericks to cover the point spread.

New Orleans Pelicans Fantasy Spin

Nikola Mirotic (ankle) will remain on the sidelines for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks. Mirotic hasn't played since spraining his ankle on Dec. 10, and Wednesday will mark his sixth consecutive game on the sidelines. Darius Miller and Solomon Hill will pick up some extra minutes while he's out, and Jahlil Okafor will have the opportunity to get into the rotation. The Pelicans have a Friday-Saturday, back-to-back set coming up, and for now, we'll be considering Mirotic doubtful for those games.

Dallas Mavericks Fantasy Spin

Dennis Smith Jr. said he's making great progress in his rehab from the wrist issue and expects to be cleared before the calendar turns to 2019. "I'm making great progress," Smith said after the final pre-Christmas game Sunday in Portland. "I'm getting better with everything, and it's feeling better every day. It'll be soon, I can tell you that, for sure." DSJ is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, and we should get another update following shootaround. Jalen Brunson has been starting in his absence, but his minutes will take a major dip once Smith Jr. is back.

NBA Betting Trends

New Orleans

The under is 6-2 in the Pelicans’ last eight games overall and 5-2 in their last seven road games.

Dallas

The over is 5-0 in the Mavs’ last five games overall but the under is 4-1 in their last five home games.

Prediction

The Pelicans have been a good play in this series, covering in four of their last five games overall. They’re also 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 games against the Southwest opponents, are 6-2 against the number in their last eight games coming off a loss and are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games playing on two days of rest. Meanwhile, the Mavs are just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games overall.

Wednesday NBA Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans +2.5