Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford enjoyed a big game on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

It was a short-handed Southwestern Division matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, as Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones were among the key players out on both sides.

Gafford is under contract for one season beyond 2024/25, with a $14.4MM guaranteed salary for ’25/26. He’s currently back in the Mavs’ starting lineup while Lively recovers a right ankle sprain, which will sideline him again on Friday vs. Oklahoma City.

The Pelicans won 119-116. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi tries to block Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald ...

The Dallas Mavericks are continuing to pursue New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones to be the final piece in their bid for championship contention, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Dejounte Murray lit the Mavericks up for 30 points, and Trey Murphy III wasn't far behind with 24. Neither was entirely efficient from the floor, but they made enough shots to sink the Mavs. Dallas' starters just weren't good enough, which is where we'll start our three takeaways.

The early tip-off led to a back-and-forth tilt between the two teams, but Dallas couldn’t overcome its shortcoming of depth and left with a 110-105

Analyzing Wednesday’s Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Dejounte Murray scored 30 points, Trey Murphy III added 24 and a game-saving blocked shot and the host New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 119-116 on Wednesday night.

then he found Daniel Gafford cutting in transition for an ABSURD alley-oop slam. They'd take a lead as big as seven, but the Pelicans came right back. New Orleans went on a 13-4 run fueled by ...

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi tries to block Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Credit ...

NEW ORLEANS — Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford scored his 27th point of the team’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the fourth quarter on Wednesday night, setting a new career ...