NBA Betting: Mavs Top 3 Picks vs. Pelicans with Luka, Zion OUT; Another Kyrie Big Game?

As the Dallas Mavericks play their second straight game without Luka Doncic on Saturday against the Pelicans, DallasBasketball.com identifies the top three player props for the game.

Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks are home to host Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.

The Mavs are coming off an impressive 128-124 victory over Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks on Thursday night to snap New York's five-game win streak. Irving led the way for Dallas with a season-high 44 points and 10 assists on 15-of-26 shooting from the floor and 6-of-10 from downtown while Tim Hardaway Jr. finished with 32 points of his own. 

"They were good...Great groove. Those are our leaders tonight; those two (Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr.) led us and put us in a position to win a tough game," Jason Kidd said of Irving and Hardaway after Thursday's win.

The Pelicans are fresh off a 125-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night in the first game of a back-to-back. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 30 points on 13-of-22 shooting.

Notable Injuries

Mavericks: Grant Williams (right ankle sprain) and Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation) are probable. Josh Green (illness) is questionable. Dereck Lively II (left ankle sprain) is doubtful. Luka Doncic (right ankle sprain) and Dante Exum (right plantar sprain) are out.

Pelicans: Brandon Ingram (right Achilles soreness), CJ McCollum (right ankle sprain), and Trey Murphy III (left knee tendonitis) are questionable. Zion Williamson (rest) is out.

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Check out the the betting lines and player props below, courtesy of SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point Spread: Pelicans (+3.5) / Mavericks (-3.5)

Money Line: Pelicans (+135) / Mavericks (-167)

Over/Under: 229.5

Player Props / Our Picks

Kyrie Irving O/U 32.5 Points: Over

Since returning from injury, Irving is playing like one of the best players in the league, averaging 33.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.6 steals per game while shooting 52 percent from both the floor and 3-point range. Take the over.

Tim Hardaway Jr. O/U 3.5 3PM: Over

Hardaway is coming off a 32-point performance in Thursday night's win against New York, hitting 6-of-13 from downtown. With Doncic out of the lineup, look for THJ to continue his aggressive shooting alongside Irving. 

Mavs' Luka Doncic, Dante Exum Out vs. Pelicans; Dereck Lively II, Maxi Kleber Nearing Return

Kyrie Irving O/U 1.5 Steals + Blocks: Over

Over the last five games, Irving is averaging 2.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game as he's been a factor on both ends of the floor. Look for Irving to stay active on defense on Saturday. 

Prediction: Despite Doncic being out for the second straight game, Dallas is coming off a great team win on Thursday while New Orleans is without Williamson on the second night of a back-to-back. Take Dallas -3.5.

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