There were still nine days until the All-Star Game officially began. The Pelicans had four games left, against the Mavericks, Celtics, Knicks, and 76ers.
The first two games would be tough, while the latter two would be easy.
Especially the first game against the Mavericks.
Embiid had been in heroic form lately, averaging 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 blocks over his last ten games, with a 49% field goal percentage.
Driven by his outstanding performance, the Mavericks had won nine of their past ten games and were now riding a seven-game winning streak.
With Cousins no longer the player he had been before his injury, Embiid's performance this season had practically made him the First Center in the League.
This was clearly a test for the Pelicans, who had just gone through a trade.
Moreover, the game was being played in Dallas. Having lost both previous matchups, the people of Dallas clearly hoped to get one back at home.
On the night of the game, the American Airlines Center was packed to the brim.
Led by owner Cuban, the Dallas Cowboys were especially fired up tonight.
The Mavericks had been piling up wins lately and their morale was high, while the Pelicans had just made a trade and lost to the Lakers, leaving them at a low point.
One was high, the other low. It was obvious who had the better chance of winning.
After the pregame ceremony, the starting lineup for both teams was announced in succession.
For the Mavericks, Conley and Holiday were in the backcourt, Harris and Dwight Powell were on the wings, and Embiid was at center.
For the Pelicans, Brogdon and Tang Tian were in the backcourt, Green and Davis were on the wings, and Harrell was at center.
Stevens did not