6 Teams that are worse than the Dallas Mavericks despite their records

3. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have been phenomenal in the Western Conference this season as they are 42-27 and the fifth seed, but they don't seem like a team with a high ceiling once the playoffs roll around.

The Pelicans have a nice duo down low in Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas, but I think the Mavs match up fairly well with New Orleans down low. They would have Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II guarding Valanciunas while P.J. Washington and Maxi Kleber try to contain Williamson.

Zion is one of the most dominant players in the league when he is at his best, but focusing on shutting him down would be key. Washington has been elite defensively for the Mavs, and he could use all of his energy to slow down Williamson. Gafford and Lively II are more than capable of guarding Valanciunas, but they would have to make sure to keep him off the offensive glass.

Brandon Ingram also went down with an injury last night, and that would give the Mavs a much lighter load on defense. Ingram has been their second-best scorer this season and could be an issue if the Mavs play them considering Washington would probably be on Williamson.

CJ McCollum also continues to be excellent for New Orleans, but the Mavs have the best two players of the two teams in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.