Last 5 games
| Defender | Games | Min | eFG% | vs Season | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbert Jones | 4 | 20 | 65% | +11.4% | medium |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 3 | 17 | 47% | -7.4% | medium |
| Tari Eason | 3 | 14 | 46% | -14.1% | medium |
| Peyton Watson | 4 | 12 | 75% |
Cooper Flagg enters this matchup riding positive momentum with a 20.3 PPG average over his last 10 games and an upward trend overall. However, Dallas is on a back-to-back after playing Cleveland yesterday, which historically suppresses his scoring to 18.78 PPG. Against New Orleans specifically, Flagg has produced 21.67 PPG across 3 prior matchups, but the Pelicans' defense allows 119.84 PPG with a +1.045 scoring suppression factor. Herbert Jones will likely be his primary defender, having allowed 18 PPG on 61.5% FG in limited matchups.
Herbert Jones will be the primary defender and has held opposing SFs to 18 PPG on solid efficiency in limited sample. New Orleans' overall defensive rating of 119.84 ranks middle-of-the-pack but their +1.045 scoring suppression suggests they effectively limit offensive rhythm—concerning for Flagg on a back-to-back.
| Player | Prop | Line | Pick | Confidence | ML | Trend | Actual | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooper Flagg▼ | Points | 22.5 | UNDER | 68%MEDIUM | 1/2 | 60% | 21 | ✓ |
Cooper Flagg▼ | Assists | 5.5 | OVER | 72%HIGH | 2/2 | 60% | 8 | ✓ |
Cooper Flagg▼ | Rebounds | 7.5 | UNDER | 65%MEDIUM | 2/2 | 60% | 7 | ✓ |
Cooper Flagg▼ | PRA | 27.5 | OVER | 70%HIGH | 2/2 | 80% | 36 | ✓ |
Flagg's recent playmaking surge—6.6 APG over last 5 games and 5.5 over last 10—outpaces his season average of 4.45. His 6.6 recent APG and 4.33 vs. New Orleans suggest the ceiling is higher than the line despite back-to-back circumstances. His elevated role continues to drive distributed scoring.
| medium |
| Moses Moody | 3 | 12 | 54% | -4.5% | medium |
| Defender | Games | Min | PTS | FG% | eFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbert Jones | 4 | 20 | 23 | 59% | 65% |
| Saddiq Bey | 4 | 8 | 13 | 45% | 55% |
| Trey Murphy III | 4 | 7 | 7 | 20% | 25% |
| Derik Queen | 4 | 4 | 6 | 50% | 63% |
| Yves Missi | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0% | 0% |
Back-to-back fatigue drops his scoring to 18.78 PPG historically. While vs. NO he averages 21.67, the combination of rest disadvantage and opponent's strong defense rating should push him toward the under.
Flagg has averaged 6.6 APG over last 5 games and 5.5 in last 10. With 4.33 APG vs. New Orleans historically, the recent elevated assist rate and momentum should exceed the 5.5 line.
Last 5 games show 7.2 RPG, but season average is 6.53. Against New Orleans, he's recorded 7.33 RPG, making this a marginal call. Back-to-back typically reduces board work slightly.
With recent assists surge (6.6 APG last 5 games) and solid rebound floor, the combined total should comfortably exceed 27.5 despite modest point projection.