The Los Angeles Clippers travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. The Clippers are currently the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a 35-29 record, while the Pelicans sit at No. 14 with a 17-48 mark.
Los Angeles won the previous meeting on December 30, defeating the Pelicans 116-113. Both teams are coming off close contests, with the Clippers winning their last game in overtime and the Pelicans narrowly losing to Memphis.
Clippers Preview – Can They Keep Winning?
The Clippers enter this game after winning three straight games at home, including a 111-110 overtime victory against Sacramento. James Harden and Kawhi Leonard played key roles in that win, combining for 46 points. Harden tied the game in regulation with a floater, while Leonard scored the game-winner in overtime.
Harden has been playing well lately, scoring 50 points in a win over Detroit and finishing with 29 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds against Sacramento. Ivica Zubac has also been strong inside, posting a 22-point, 14-rebound effort in the Kings game.
Los Angeles is averaging 110.8 points per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. On defense, they allow 119.1 points per contest. The Clippers have been strong in second-half performances, winning the third and fourth quarter moneylines frequently.
Pelicans Preview – Can Young Players Step Up?
The Pelicans are coming off a 107-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in which they played without Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Despite their absence, the Pelicans competed well, with Trey Murphy III scoring 27 points to lead the way.
Rookie Karlo Matkovic had a strong performance with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Jordan Hawkins and Antonio Reeves each scored in double figures. New Orleans showed improved bench production, which helped keep the game close.
The Pelicans are averaging 110.8 points per game but are giving up 119.1 points on defense. With their two top scorers potentially out again, the Pelicans will need Murphy and their younger players to deliver against the Clippers.
Betting Prediction
The Clippers are 7.5-point road favorites with the total set at 222.5. Los Angeles has been inconsistent on the road, but their recent surge suggests they are trending in the right direction. With Williamson and McCollum unlikely to play, the Pelicans could struggle to keep up offensively.
Expect the Clippers’ All-Star duo of Harden and Leonard to control the pace. New Orleans has covered well in the fourth quarter at home, but Los Angeles’ depth and scoring options should be enough to win and cover.
Pick: Clippers -7.5 / Over 222.5
Trends to Watch
- Clippers: Los Angeles has hit the 1H Game Total Over in 14 of their last 18 games (+9.40 Units / 45% ROI).
- Clippers: The Clippers have hit the 3Q Moneyline in 38 of their last 64 games (+11.64 Units / 13% ROI).
- Pelicans: The Pelicans have hit the Game Total Over in 28 of their last 44 games (+10.40 Units / 21% ROI).
- Pelicans: New Orleans has covered the 4Q Spread in 32 of their last 53 games (+9.05 Units / 15% ROI).
Enjoy the game and best of luck!
