Introduction
When the Pelicans vs Mavericks battle takes place, it’s more than just another NBA game — it’s a showcase of rising talent, veteran poise, and high-stakes execution. In this article, we examine the historical head-to-head dynamics, recent Mavericks game highlights, and the impact of Zion Williamson stats on the Pelicans’ fortunes.
1. Pelicans vs Mavericks: Historical Overview
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The Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans have clashed 87 times in the regular season, with Dallas holding a significant edge in the overall series.
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According to head-to-head stats, Dallas wins around 63.9% of their regular-season matchups against New Orleans.
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In recent years, the Pelicans have shown flashes of competitiveness, but consistency continues to elude them when facing the Mavericks.
2. Recent Mavericks Game Highlights
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In a nail-biter on November 5, 2025, the Pelicans edged out the Mavericks 101–99 in Dallas.
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That game was tightly contested throughout, with the Pelicans pulling ahead in the clutch — showing that even though Dallas dominates the rivalry overall, New Orleans can strike back.
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In another intense matchup on January 29, 2025, the Mavericks eked out a 137–136 win on the road.
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For the Mavericks, their offense in head-to-head games with New Orleans tends to be efficient: according to Stathead, they average 106.8 points per game in these matchups.
3. Zion Williamson Stats & Impact on the Pelicans
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Zion Williamson, the cornerstone forward for the Pelicans, is listed at 6’6″ and 284 lbs and continues to be a dominant physical presence.
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For the 2025–26 regular season, Zion is averaging:
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21.3 points per game
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6.7 rebounds
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4.7 assists
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He’s shooting 48.4% from the field this season too.
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His scoring, playmaking, and ability to bully inside make him a central figure anytime the Pelicans face a physical or fast-paced Mavericks squad.
4. Why This Rivalry Matters
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Style Contrast: The Mavericks often rely on sharpshooting and spacing, while New Orleans leans on Zion’s power and younger, high-energy pieces.
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Playoff Aspirations: As both teams look to climb in the West, every game between them can influence playoff positioning.
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Fan Engagement: These matchups draw attention because of their back-and-forth nature. Even if Dallas dominates historically, the Pelicans have pulled off big wins, making each Mavericks game against them feel meaningful.
5. Looking Ahead
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If the Pelicans want to shift the balance in this rivalry, they’ll need more consistent supporting performances around Zion Williamson.
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For the Mavericks, sustaining their edge means maintaining efficient offense and leveraging matchups where they can exploit New Orleans’ weaknesses.
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Future Pelicans vs Mavericks games could become even more exciting if both teams make roster upgrades, especially as young talents on both sides develop.
Conclusion
The Pelicans vs Mavericks rivalry may not be the most storied in NBA history, but it’s one filled with intriguing matchups, youthful potential, and hard-fought battles. Zion Williamson stats underscore his pivotal role for New Orleans, while key Mavericks games highlight Dallas’ ability to execute under pressure. As both teams evolve, their clashes will remain must-watch events in the Western Conference calendar.
