Dallas Basketball

Will Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson Play in Mavericks-Pelicans?

With an NBA Cup game on the line, both teams could be without some big pieces

Austin Veazey

Feb 2, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Feb 2, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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The Dallas Mavericks are looking to win three straight games as they welcome an injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans team to town. Dallas was able to knock off the OKC Thunder on Sunday, even with Luka Doncic missing the game with a knee injury. The Pelicans have lost seven of their last eight games and have an injury report long enough to build a good basketball team.

Luka Doncic is listed as questionable heading into Tuesday's game with a right knee contusion, while Dante Exum remains out after having surgery on his right wrist. Those were the only two Mavericks on the injury report.

READ MORE: Mavericks vs. Pelicans: How to Watch, TV, Time, Odds, & Preview

Then there's New Orleans, who will be without Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain), Herbert Jones (right shoulder sprain), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain), Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture), Jordan Hawkins (lower back strain), and Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain).

Williamson, Jones, McCollum, and Murray are all players the Pelicans would start if they were fully healthy. Their only regular starter available for this game is Brandon Ingram, who is still averaging 23.6 PPG.

With the Pelicans missing four starters and two key bench pieces, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Mavericks sit Luka Doncic as he tries to get healthier. Their next game isn't until Friday against the Denver Nuggets, and they'd like to have him a little closer to 100% for that game.

READ MORE: NBA Admits to Huge Missed Call in Mavericks-Thunder

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Austin Veazey
AUSTIN VEAZEY

Austin Veazey joined NoleGameday as the Lead Basketball Writer in 2019, while contributing as a football writer, and started as editor for MavericksGameday in 2024. Veazey was a Florida State Men’s Basketball Manager from 2016-2019. Follow Austin on Twitter at @EasyVeazeyNG

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