NBA picks: Clippers vs. Pelicans prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for Friday, Jan. 5

The Los Angeles Clippers will take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, January 5. Tip-off from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans is set for 8 p.m. ET but will only be airing in local TV markets. This will be the second of four matchups between these two teams with New Orleans winning the first 116-106 back in November.

The injury reports are light for this game. Los Angeles is expected to only be without forward Moussa Diabate due to a right-hand metacarpal fracture, and there isn’t a timeline for his return. New Orleans shooting guard Trey Murphy III is questionable with a knee injury. Forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl missed the Pelicans last game with a non-COVID illness and is considered day-to-day.

The Clippers are the 1-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook. Los Angeles is the -115 favorite, while New Orleans is the narrow -105 underdog. The point total is set at 230.5.

Clippers vs. Pelicans, 8 p.m. ET

Pick ATS: Pelicans -1

New Orleans has won four games in a row, all by at least seven points. Los Angeles has also won four in a row, all by at least nine points. New Orleans has covered the spread in 58.8% of its games, which is the fifth-best clip in the league. Los Angeles has covered in 51.5% of its games, and that ranks 12th most. The Pelicans have the edge at home, covering 12 of 19 home games, while the Clippers have covered in only seven of 15 games on the road.

This game should remain close, but being at home should give the Pelicans enough of an edge to cover the spread.

Over/Under: 230.5

Both New Orleans and Los Angeles have struggled against the over/under this season. 51.4% of the Pelicans games have hit the under, which is the eighth-most in the league. The Clippers have hit the under in 59.4% of their games, which is the third-most in the NBA. In their four-game win streaks, Los Angeles and New Orleans have combined for more than 230 points with their opponents just once.

The Clippers average 117.2 points per game, while the Pelicans average 115.9. We could see a lot of points scored in this game, but based on their recent performances, I think the under hits.