OKLAHOMA CITY — Luka Doncic missed his first game of the season on Sunday night and while that should appear as a disadvantage, the Oklahoma City Thunder posed a significant weakness that worked in the Dallas Mavericks’ favor.

On Sunray night, Oklahoma City lost its third game of the season, falling to the Dallas Mavericks in the Modern Frontier.

P.J. Washington had 27 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119 without star guard Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic returned to the lineup and scored a game-high 26 points, Klay Thompson added 19 and Kyrie Irving had 18 as the Dallas Mavericks beat the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans 132-91 in an NBA C

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, who sat out Sunday's win vs. Oklahoma City with a right knee contusion, returned to the lineup for Tuesday's game vs. New Orleans.

The Mavericks come back to the AAC after escaping a near-comeback by the Oklahoma City Thunder, albeit without Luka Doncic.

The New Orleans Pelicans (4-10) and Dallas Mavericks (7-7) meet Tuesday for NBA Cup group play. Tip-off from the American Airlines Center is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Pelicans vs.

SportsLine's model just revealed its 2024 NBA Cup picks for New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday in the in-season tournament