The New Orleans Pelicans won just three of their first 25 games, but they’ve more than doubled their win count thanks to a four-game winning streak. The Dallas Mavericks have won six of their last 10 and will look to snap the Pels’ win streak when they visit Smooth King Center tonight.
Rookie of the Year favorite Cooper Flagg has been hot on offense, and my Mavericks vs. Pelicans predictions expect another big scoring night.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference showdown on Monday, December 22.
Mavericks vs Pelicans prediction
Mavericks vs Pelicans best bet: Cooper Flagg Over 21.5 points (-115)
Cooper Flagg leads all rookies in scoring at 18.8 points per game. He’s picked up his scoring significantly over the last three weeks, going for 25.2 points per night. In that span, he’s scored 22+ seven times, including four straight heading into tonight’s tilt with the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans has surrendered the fourth-most points per game this season, making this a favorable matchup for Flagg. He posted 29 and 20 points in two matchups with the Pels this season.
He’s recorded 22 points in 10 of 28 games overall, but seven of those have come since November 29.
New Orleans has found a way to put up points lately, thanks to a healthy roster featuring Jordan Poole, Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Derik Queen, among others. In a game with an implied total of 241 points, I’ll bet on another strong offensive showing from Flagg.
Mavericks vs Pelicans same-game parlay
The Pelicans have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games, and the team has won four straight contests heading into Monday's showdown.
New Orleans is mostly healthy, and the Pels have gotten quality production across the roster. This is essentially a pick 'em, so I'll back a healthy home team in the midst of a winning streak.
The Dallas Mavericks are just 13-16 to the Under this season, but the Mavs have hit the Over in seven of their last 10. New Orleans is 17-12 to the Over this season, and the team has hit the Over in six of its last 10. I'll bet on a high-scoring contest between two offenses that have been humming as of late.
Mavericks vs Pelicans SGP
- Cooper Flagg Over 21.5 points
- Pelicans -1
- Over 241
Our "from downtown" SGP: Queen of the prop
Queen has recorded at least 12 rebounds + assists in six straight games.
Mavericks vs Pelicans SGP
- Cooper Flagg Over 21.5 points
- Pelicans -1
- Over 241
- Derik Queen Over 12.5 rebounds + assists
Mavericks vs Pelicans odds
- Spread: Dallas +1 (-115) | New Orleans -1 (-105)
- Moneyline: Dallas -105 | New Orleans -115
- Over/Under: Over 241 (-110) | Under 241 (-110)
Mavericks vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Pelicans have hit the Over in 49 of their last 82 games (+13.80 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Mavericks vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | KFAA, GCSEN |
Mavericks vs Pelicans latest injuries
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