The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Dallas Mavericks, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.

The Pelicans (0-1) put up an impressive fight in their season opener despite the odds stacked against them as they played on the road against the defending champs and without the first overall draft pick, Zion Williamson. The Pelicans shot 19-of-45 from long range in the contest, led by J.J. Redick (4-of-6), Nicolo Melli (4-of-5) and Josh Hart (3-of-5). They also did an excellent job moving the ball and tallied 30 assists. They gave up 19 turnovers, which is something they need to work on going forward. Brandon Ingram led the team offensively with 22 points, while Josh Hart tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds, in 28 minutes off the bench. The Pelicans put up 117 points in regulation time against a formidable opponent and showed that they will be able to compete. They will need to bring the same intensity to their home opener in order to hold up against the new-look Mavericks.

The Mavs (1-0) looked great in their season opener where they topped in the Wizards in Dallas. Luka Doncic came to play with 34 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-9 from long range. Kristaps Porzingis completed the one-two punch with 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-7 from deep. Dorian Finney-Smith and Justin Jackson chipped in 10 points each off the bench, while the Mavs shot 46 percent from the field. Despite the win, the Mavs were out rebounded, gave up 19 turnovers and gave up 19 fast-break points and 19 second-chance points. They will need to tighten up in these areas in order to continue on the right track. They only won nine games on the road last season and have a chance to make significant progress towards that mark with their first road game of the season.