NEW ORLEANS - If you're searching for hope that the Mavericks have a bright future in front of them, don't look in the direction of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Once you get past the beads, beer and bawdiness of Bourbon Street, you realize that the basketball team that inhabits these parts is positioned much more smartly for the future than the Mavericks are.
At least on paper.
These teams came into Wednesday's meeting with the same number of wins this season, 31. The Mavericks officially fell behind the Pelicans in the standings when New Orleans plucked off a 121-118 victory, the Mavericks' third loss in a row and seventh in their last 10 games.