The New Orleans Pelicans have shown promise in their recent performances, with a 2-1 record over their last three games. They secured victories against the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers, displaying offensive prowess by scoring 119 and 123 points, respectively. However, a narrow loss to the Boston Celtics indicates room for improvement in closing tight games. Key players like CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III have been pivotal, with their offensive ratings of 108.0 and 119.0, contributing significantly to their team's scoring efforts. On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled recently, managing just one win in their last three outings. They fell twice to the Denver Nuggets, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in their defense. Despite these setbacks, their victory over the Portland Trail Blazers showcased their ability to bounce back, thanks in part to Daniel Gafford's impressive offensive rating of 134.2. The Mavericks' starting five possess a blend of defensive capabilities, with P.J. Washington and Klay Thompson aiming to stabilize their defensive efforts.