The Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans collide at the Smoothie King Center on Tuesday 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 are starting to heat up again as they are now gunning for a fourth straight victory after sneaking past the Kings in a thrilling 111-110 overtime win on Sunday. James Harden led the team with 29 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists, Ivica Zubac added 22 points with 14 rebounds on nine of 14 shooting while Kawhi Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr scored 17 points each. As a team, the Clippers shot 53 percent from the field and 10 of 31 from the 3-point line as they struggled for most of the game before they closed the final 1:40 of the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to force overtime, where Kawhi Leonard drained the game-winner at the buzzer to earn the impressive overtime win at home.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have been in a slump as they’ve lost five of their last six games overall. They will be hoping to put an end to a four-game slide after getting beaten by the Grizzlies in a 107-104 loss on Sunday. Trey Murphy led the team with 27 points on nine of 21 shooting, Karlo Matkovic added 13 points with 11 rebounds off the bench while Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Hawkins each scored 12 points. As a team, the Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field and 13 of 34 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 37 points in the second quarter to take a 14-point lead. However, they allowed the Grizzlies back into the contest and couldn’t find the baskets when they needed it most, scoring just seven points in the final quarter. 3:56.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The home team has won each of the Clippers’ last six games.
- The Clippers have lost three of their last four games as road favorites.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 road games.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last seven home games against the Clippers following a home loss.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won each of their last 12 road games against Southwest Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have lost 12 of their last 13 games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six Tuesday games against Pacific Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in five of their last six games on the first leg of a back-to-back after coming off overtime.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for point differential per game this season (-8.3).
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (46.6).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (26.8).
- The Clippers rank 3rd in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (10.0).
Pelicans vs Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still missing some players, with Ben Simmons and Norman Powell both out, while the Pelicans are deciding to rest Kelly Olynyk. They are keeping an eye on Jose Alverado who is questionable due to left hip soreness. The Clippers have come to life with three wins in a row, and they would’ve taken plenty of confidence from their comeback overtime win over the Kings on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have gone cold again, and they are coming into this fresh off a tough loss to the Grizzlies. It wouldn’t be a major shock if the Pelicans pulled off the upset as they lost in the earlier meeting by 116-113 back on Dec. 30, but the Clippers are on the rise. I think they stay hot with another win and cover in this spot.