Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for as Mavs host Pelicans

The Dallas Mavericks are finally heating up. They have won three straight and four of their last five but still sit two games under .500 on the season. Luka Doncic and the Mavs are still a force that has not played their best basketball yet.

Dallas continues their seven-game homestand on Feb. 12 against the division rival New Orleans Pelicans. Zion Williamson and company were riding a four-game winning streak before falling to the Bulls last time out. Both teams have their sights set on the playoffs in the crowded Western Conference.

The national TV audience returns on Friday night. Here is how and what to watch for in the Mavs versus Pelicans showdown.

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans: How to watch

Start time: 6:30 p.m. CT or 7:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: ESPN (National), Fox Sports Southwest (Dallas market), Fox Sports New Orleans (Pelicans’ market)

Watch online: Watch ESPN (National), Fox Sports Go (both local markets)

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans injury updates

The Mavs have a clean bill of health entering Friday’s game. Tyrell Terry, Tyler Bey, and Nate Hinton are in Orlando playing in the G League bubble. Those are the only players out against New Orleans.

The Pelicans have Will Magnay and Naji Marshall playing in the G League. The rest of their roster is healthy heading into Friday’s game.

Be sure to check Twitter just before tipoff for any late-breaking injury information.

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans storyline to follow: Luka vs. Zion 2

Friday marks the first meeting of the season between the two young stars. They were supposed to play earlier in the season, but the game was postponed. Zion Williamson missed three of the four games against Dallas last season. The Mavericks swept the series as Luka Doncic averaged 28.5 points and 12.8 rebounds against the Pelicans.

Expect both young stars to put on a show on Friday night. The game will draw plenty of eyeballs as two of the best players under 22 in the world square off. The Mavericks used Maxi Kleber to hold Zion to 21 points and six rebounds last season. That will be a matchup to watch on Feb. 12. Do not miss it.