Dallas has lost six in a row. So why back the Mavericks here? Several reasons. Dallas is home where it is 13-3. The Mavericks suffered five of their losses during their current losing streak on the road - and they were in all of those games, including four-point losses to the Clippers and Warriors and an overtime defeat to the Trail Blazers. Those close losses all came within the span of four days.

The Mavericks have revenge for an embarrassing 132-106 road loss suffered to the Pelicans three weeks ago. Dallas was playing for the third time in four days in that game and also without rest. Here, the Mavericks have been idle since this past Sunday night.

New Orleans isn't playing well dropping 12 of its last 17 games, including their last four. This marks the Pelicans' fourth consecutive road game. New Orleans is 4-14 SU, 7-11 ATS on the road this season.

The teams meet again Friday in New Orleans. So the Mavericks will be doing all they can to protect their home floor knowing they will be underdogs on Friday.