Pelicans beat Mavericks 2-1 in preseason at American Airlines Center

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks in a preseason contest held at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday, October 14. The victory marked the Pelicans' second win of the preseason, improving their record to 2-1, while the Mavericks remained at 1-1.

Jeremiah Fears, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, led the Pelicans to the win. The team demonstrated improved defensive intensity compared to their first two preseason games, holding off the Mavericks to secure the result.

Dallas entered the game following a split series against the Houston Rockets in Macao, where Kyrie Irving made his return. For this matchup, the Mavericks sat several key players, including Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, as they looked to use the contest as a dress rehearsal. The team had previously played their first game in the United States this preseason.

Moussa Cisse, in his second year with the Mavericks, suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. According to Marc Stein, the injury is not regarded as serious, but the Mavericks opted to have Cisse sit out the second half as a precaution. Cisse finished the game with eight points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks in 16 minutes.

The Pelicans, who are 1-1 in their preseason prior to this game, will next host the Washington Wizards on Friday in their only home preseason game. Their regular season opens on October 21 against the Indiana Pacers.