The Mavericks will get back Kristaps Porzingis, but their bench is shorthanded because of COVID issues. Porzingis figures to be rusty in his season debut. 
Dallas is playing for the third time in five days, fat and happy with three consecutive victories. 
The Pelicans are in stop-the-pain mode having dropped three in a row - all at home. Maybe the Pelicans can focus better on the road. They've been idle for the last two days so their focus should be there. New Orleans has been good in this spot covering eight of the last 11 times when playing on two days rest.
The Mavericks have failed to cover six of the last seven times they've been favored.