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There will be a slew of players missing from Saturday’s matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks. Headlining the list are Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
Luka Doncic is out now due to non-COVID illness, per Rick Carlisle. Kristaps Porzingis is also out vs. Pelicans. https://t.co/NAr5OM8hfs
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 27, 2021
The Mavericks will also be without Willie Cauley-Stein, Tyrell Terry and JJ Redick; however, Nicolo Melli is expected to be in uniform for Rick Carlisle.
Thanks @PelicansNBA for bringing me to the NBA and make my dream come true, I wish you the best!
— Nicolò Melli (@NikMelli) March 27, 2021
See you tonight ♂️ https://t.co/MJ2Dv2G2iL
The Pelicans will not have the services of Lonzo Ball for a fourth consecutive game and Jaxson Hayes will also sit out after landing awkwardly on his wrist in last night’s action against the Nuggets.
Lonzo Ball (right hip flexor strain) and Jaxson Hayes (right wrist sprain) are out for tonight’s game vs. Dallas.
— Pelicans PR (@PelicansPR) March 27, 2021
However, Stan Van Gundy stated to pregame media that James Johnson and Wesley Iwundu are available to play as needed.
James Johnson and Wes Iwundu are available tonight, SVG says.
— Christian Clark (@cclark3000) March 27, 2021
The Mavericks will be without their two stars, but the Pelicans will have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram racing up and down the court.
Let’s take care of business and put a W in the book, fellas.
For more on tonight’s matchup, please give our preview a read.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (19-25) vs Dallas Mavericks (23-20)
When: March 27, 8:00 p.m. Central
Where to watch: FSNOLA, FSSW
Where to listen: ESPN 100.3 FM
For more Pelicans talk, subscribe to The Bird Calls podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @OlehKosel.