Post by Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst) on Feb 6, 2023 17:28:31 GMT -5
#2 New Orleans Pelicans (24-5) vs. #6 Dallas Mavericks (21-8)
The Mavericks pulled out the upset against the Timberwolves last week and their reward is...the New Orleans Pelicans who are another one of those teams in the West that have always been among the top teams. The Pelicans will need better injury luck and less players in trade rumors, but with Wood expected back tonight and Kyrie expected back Wednesday, things are turning in the right direction.
The Pelicans have a decent schedule this week despite only 2 games from CJ McCollum. Kyrie should still get 3 games with the Mavericks on a 4 game week. Christian Wood should get 4 games, at least 1 without Luka, and the Bulls have 4 games so Lavine should be productive this week. However, I think it goes without saying that how Kyrie fits in with Dallas his first week is going to be very important to the Pelicans going forward. If he fits in seamlessly from the get go, this team might just run the table out West. If not, the Pelicans are in trouble this week.
Coming off a huge win, Dallas had little time to celebrate and face yet another tall task this week. Only 3 games from Bam hurts, but Donovan Mitchell gets 4 games and they're all decent matchups against the Wizards, Pistons, Pelicans, and Bulls. There are some injury concerns around the team's depth with both Stewart and Duarte banged up. To me, the x-factor is how Jamal Murray performs after a huge week last week. With only 3 games this week, Murray needs to perform well every game without any let ups if the Mavericks want to win this week.
Pelicans X-factor: How Kyrie Irving performs his first week in a Mavericks uniform
Mavericks X-factor: Jamal Murray
Caleb's pick: Pelicans
Tyler's pick: Pelicans
Sarge's pick: Pelicans
Skip's pick: Pelicans