Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in Mavs vs. Pelicans

The Dallas Mavericks were run off the floor in a 133-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. The blowout snapped a four-game winning streak and has put Dallas in a difficult position with three games remaining in the regular season. They slipped to sixth in the Western Conference and are in danger of falling into the play-in tournament.

Superstar Luka Doncic and his team have no time to rest. They host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night in a crucial game. The Pelicans must win to keep their season alive and could be without their two star players. If the Mavericks lose and the Lakers defeat the Houston Rockets, they will be tied in the standing with just two games remaining.

Wednesday’s game is a must-win for the Mavs. Here is a closer look at how and what fans should be watching for as they host the Pelicans.

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans: How to watch

Start time: 8:00 p.m. CT or 9:00 p.m. ET

How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest (Dallas market), Bally Sports New Orleans (Pelicans market)

Watch online: Bally Sports app (both local markets), NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans injury updates

The Mavs are on the second night of a back-to-back set, so they did not release an official injury report. Kristaps Porzingis is slated to return after missing seven straight games with a knee injury. J.J. Redick injured his heel on Tuesday night in Memphis and was ruled out by the Mavericks for their contest against the New Orleans. Be sure to check Twitter for updates as they are released.

The Pelicans ruled out Zion Williamson (hand) and Josh Hart (thumb) on the NBA’s official injury report. Brandon Ingram is listed as doubtful with an ankle sprain. Steven Adams is questionable with a toe injury.

Things could change fast here, so be sure to check Twitter for updates and any late-breaking information.

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans storyline to follow: KP’s return

Luka Doncic is coming off one of his worst games of the season on Tuesday night. Fans can bet he will bounce back with a monster performance against the Pelicans, but the thing to watch is the return of Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavs need KP playing well if they are going to make a run in the postseason. Is he healthy? Will the Unicorn need to knock some rust off after playing just one game since April 24?

Fans should watch Porzingis closely as the Dallas Mavericks take on the Pelicans. New Orleans will be short-handed on May 12. The Mavs must take advantage and grab a win. They also need to work KP back into the flow as they gear up for the playoffs.

Fans should be sure to tune in and enjoy Wednesday’s game. It is massive in the standings. The Lakers and Trail Blazers both play on May 12 too. There will be plenty of jockeying in the race to avoid in the play-in tournament in the West. Check back for plenty more on what it all means after the game.