The upstart Mavericks just logged their signature win so far this season, knocking off the Lakers by double figures in Los Angeles. This came on the heels of another solid road win against upstart Phoenix. The last leg of this road trip feels like a natural letdown spot against a New Orleans club that is pretty capable when it has a healthy lineup. The Pelicans also have seen their Swiss-cheese defense improve a little in back-to-back losses to the Thunder. They break a five-game losing streak Tuesday.

The Mavericks have played well on the road this season, posting a 7-2 mark ATS. That includes an impressive 14-point win over the Lakers on Sunday in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have lost five straight and were already defeated at home by the Mavericks earlier this season by seven points. I’ll take the Mavericks to keep things rolling with a win, while covering along the way.

The Mavs are 7-2 straight-up on the road and I like them to cover this modest number against the 6-14 Pelicans, who have lost five in a row. When Dallas visited New Orleans in late October, the Mavs won by seven. Lay it.