Tough spot here for the Pelicans. New Orleans just beat the Bulls, 119-113, last night to conclude a three-game, five-day road trip. New Orleans went 2-1 on the trip, however, they have had no chance to catch up on things at home before hosting the Mavericks. This will be the Pelicans' sixth game in nine days.

New Orleans is 1-9 in its last 10 home contests.

The Mavericks have been struggling without Luka Doncic, who remains out with a calf injury. They just dropped two games to the Nuggets, both by double-digits. Now, though, the Mavericks drop way down in class and they at least have Kyrie Irving back.

Irving had missed the previous five games due to a bulging disc in his back. He was cold against the Nuggets last night missing 14 of 18 shots from the floor.

Irving should have the rust off now. The Mavericks buried New Orleans, 132-91, at home when the teams met for the first time this season on Nov. 19.