Another Friday brings a fresh slate of NBA Cup action, with 18 teams playing across nine group games. The Mavericks take the floor in the fifth matchup, looking to shake off a rough start that has them 13th in the West. The good news is that they face an even more unsettled Pelicans squad. With both teams on the brink of falling out of contention, the focus shifts to one question: whether Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg suit up tonight?

Are Anthony Davis & Cooper Flagg Playing Tonight?

Anthony Davis has found himself on the Mavericks’ injury report yet again. He won’t be playing tonight. This marks his 12th consecutive absence. Davis is currently nursing a left calf strain he sustained on October 29 against the Indiana Pacers. Mavs coach Jason Kidd provided an injury update, saying:

“He wants to be out there to help us … but this gives him seven to 10 days to get better or to get stronger. Hopefully, in seven to 10 days, he’s back on the floor.” If the air around Anthony Davis is unsure, there’s a bit of relief for Mavs fans when it comes to Cooper Flagg.

Luckily, Cooper Flagg is expected to suit up tonight against the Pelicans. He missed his first career game on Thursday against the Knicks due to illness. But the setback was minor. The 18-year-old entered the league with enormous expectations as the consensus No. 1 pick for years. 

With Anthony Davis still sidelined, the Mavericks need Flagg’s energy and versatility more than ever, and the good thing is the rookie is getting good numbers, averaging 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. 

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks Injury Update

The Mavericks enter tonight’s NBA Cup matchup short-handed once again, but on a positive note, the list is much shorter this time.

• Dante Exum has been ruled out for the season to undergo knee surgery, removing one of Dallas’ most reliable backcourt defenders.
• Ryan Nembhard is also out due to left knee strain.
• Kyrie Irving is also still out as he continues his recovery, with Jason Kidd emphasising that he is not ahead of schedule despite outside speculation.

New Orleans Pelicans Injury Update

The Pelicans are also undermanned tonight.

• Jordan Poole is out with a quadriceps injury, eliminating a key scoring threat from their backcourt.
• Karlo Matkovic will miss the game due to a calf injury, limiting frontcourt flexibility.
• Dejounte Murray remains out as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury and isn’t expected back until after the New Year.

Predicted starting lineups: Mavericks vs Pelicans

Where to Watch & Game Info

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2025

Tipoff: 8:00 PM ET

Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Television: Regional broadcasts are expected on Bally Sports Southwest for the Mavericks feed and Bally Sports New Orleans for the Pelicans feed.

Streaming: The game will stream on NBA League Pass (subject to local blackout restrictions) and on platforms carrying regional sports networks, including services such as FuboTV.

Game preview & prediction

This Mavericks vs Pelicans NBA Cup matchup feels like a fight for survival. Both teams have struggled in group play. Dallas dropped early Cup games behind an inconsistent offence, while New Orleans has been hurt by injuries and defensive lapses. But they will rely on Zion Williamson, who is their leading points maker with an average of 21.3 points per game. 

On paper, the Mavericks have the edge if Cooper Flagg continues his recent rise and their role players keep the ball moving in the half-court. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will rely heavily on Zion Williamson to generate interior pressure and Herbert Jones to disrupt Dallas’ perimeter rhythm. Expect a tight, slower-paced game, but the Mavericks may have the ‘at home’ advantage to escape with a narrow win.