Mavericks vs. Pelicans prediction: Odds, expert picks for NBA on TNT

Dallas Mavericks take on New Orleans Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. Both teams are in the Western Conference playoff race.

Mavericks are favored by 5.5 points over Pelicans. Celtics are playing Bulls.

Mavericks are the favorite to win the NBA MVP award. Their offense is very good, scoring over 100 points twice this season. New Orleans is without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Herb Jones is injured. C.J. McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas will have to pick up the scoring for the Pelicans. Dallas has had two days off since their win over the Grizzlies.

The Mavericks' offense came together against the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Pelicans are playing on their home court. Injuries ruined what could have been an early-season playoff preview.