The Pelicans have made some much-needed recent strides on the defensive side, as they gave up an average of just 106 points per game during their recent four-game win streak. But consistency has been a struggle and New Orleans faces a tough matchup against a Dallas club that has quietly broken out of doldrums with wins in four of its last five. All of those wins came by two possessions or fewer, and the Mavs rallied from 13 down late to clip the Hawks in their last outing. A more focused effort Friday should make a comeback unnecessary.

Both teams have won four of their past five. The Pelicans should be super focused knowing the Mavericks won all four meetings last season. New Orleans is coming off a loss in which the Bulls made a franchise-record 25 3-pointers (in 47 attempts). Dallas overcame a 13-point, third-quarter deficit, holding Atlanta to just 27 points on 9-of-22 shooting in the final quarter. New Orleans has a big edge in rebounding and this is a good spot for the road underdog.