NBA Betting: Mavs Top 3 Picks vs. Pelicans with Luka OUT; Kyrie 30-Point Streak Continues?

As the Dallas Mavericks look for revenge against the New Orleans Pelicans without Luka Doncic, DallasBasketball.com identifies the top three player props for the game.

Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks are home to host Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday afternoon.

The Mavs are coming off the first of two straight games against the Pelicans, falling 118-108 to the undermanned New Orleans team on Saturday night. Irving finished with 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists to lead Dallas without Luka Doncic in the loss. 

Despite being shorthanded without the likes of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans came to play to avoid a schedule loss on the second night of a back-to-back. Rookie Jordan Hawkins led the Pelicans with 34 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 11-of-19 shooting from the field and 6-of-12 from downtown.

"It's basketball. It doesn’t matter who's in front of you, you got to play the game the same way," Derrick Jones Jr. said after Saturday's loss. "I know none of my teammates like losing, so I know everyone was out there trying to give it all. We just got to give a little more and play a little harder."

Notable Injuries

Mavericks: Maxi Kleber (right small toe) is probable. Dereck Lively II (left ankle sprain) is questionable. Luka Doncic (right ankle sprain) and Derrick Jones Jr. (right calf contusion) are doubtful. Dante Exum (right plantar sprain) is out.

Pelicans: CJ McCollum (right ankle sprain), Brandon Ingram (right Achilles soreness), Zion Williamson (right quad contusion), and Trey Murphy III (left knee tendonitis) are probable. 

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Lines

Point Spread: Pelicans (-4.5) / Mavericks (+4.5)

Money Line: Pelicans (-188) / Mavericks (+145)

Over/Under: 236.5

Player Props / Our Picks

Kyrie Irving O/U 33.5 Points: Over

Irving is fresh off his fourth straight 30-point performance in Saturday's loss. Over the last four games, Irving is averaging 36.6 points per game on 49.5 percent shooting from the field and 48.7 percent from 3-point range. With Doncic still out, it's on Irving to continue his scoring streak to get a win for the Mavs.

Brandon Ingram O/U 19.5 Points: Over

On the season, Ingram is averaging 21.7 points per game, his lowest since 2018-19. But, with Jones Jr. doubtful for the game, Dallas will be struggle to find a lengthy defender to hinder Ingram's shot making ability. Take the over.

Mavs' Luka Doncic, Derrick Jones Jr. Doubtful to Play vs. Pelicans; Dereck Lively II Update

Jonas Valanciunas O/U 9.5 Rebounds: Over

Though Lively may return for Monday's game as he's listed as questionable, Jonas Valanciunas should be able to feast on the glass against Dallas. Averaging 9.7 rebounds per game this season and fresh off grabbing 12 boards against the Mavs on Saturday, look for JV to repeat that kind of performance.

Prediction: With the Mavericks without Doncic yet again as the Pelicans are refreshed and back to full health, take New Orleans -4.5 to get the win.

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