The Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans collide once again at the Smoothie King Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Pelicans vs. Clippers Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs. Clippers Pick.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers were on a roll when they won seven games during an eight-game stretch, but it’s amazing how quick things can change, as the Clippers are now hoping to avoid a fourth straight defeat after getting trampled by the Pelicans in a 124-109 road defeat last night. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 25 points on nine of 12 shooting, John Collins added 18 points with seven rebounds, and Darius Garland and Jordan Miller each scored 13 points. As a team, the Clippers shot 51 percent from the field and nine of 31 from the 3-point line as they hit the ground running with 40 points in the first quarter to open up an early 18-point lead, but they lost their momentum and just couldn’t climb back into the contest, trailing by as many as 20 points before they finished with a late flurry in the fourth quarter.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have been in fine form as they’ve reeled off five wins from their past seven games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after routing the Clippers last night. Saddiq Bey led the team with 25 points, five rebounds and four assists on 10 of 21 shooting; Trey Murphy III added 23 points with seven rebounds and five assists, while Dejounte Murray tallied 17 points with 11 assists. As a team, the Pelicans shot 53 percent from the field and 16 of 37 from the 3-point line as they got off to a sloppy start and leaked 40 points in the first quarter before they flipped the script and dominated the rest of the game to run past the Clippers in one of their more impressive wins this season.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pelicans have won each of their last six home games.
- The Clippers have lost each of their last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Pelicans.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 road games against Pelicans teams that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last 10 games against the Clippers following a home win.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Clippers.
- The Clippers have won each of their last three games as underdogs following a road loss.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in each of their last 12 games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Clippers.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six home games against Pacific Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Clippers’ last four games has gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Zion Williamson ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (15.7) this season.
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Kawhi Leonard ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (4.9) this season.
- John Collins ranks 1st amongst qualified Centers for 3P% (41.2%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from an HT deficit this season—trailing by 22 points vs. the Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (4026) this season.
- The Clippers rank 30th in the league for assists per game this season (23.6).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for free throw percentage this season (82.8%).
Pelicans vs Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still missing Bennedict Mathurin, Bradley Beal and Nicolas Batum, while the Pelicans have ruled out Bryce McGowens. The Clippers must have been so disappointed, as they definitely should have been good enough to secure the win last night after getting off to such a great start, but they lost their focus and it cost them the game, as the Pelicans have actually been playing some of their best basketball of the season right now. It’s always tough to beat the same team twice in a row, but the Pelicans have been in a groove lately and I think they can continue their strong run with another solid win in this meeting.