New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction, Preview, and Odds

The New Orleans Pelicans are riding a wave of success, having secured victories in four of their last five games, marking their strongest performance stretch this season. A key factor in this uptick has been the extra effort from Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who have been focusing on late-game scenarios during practice. Their hard work is clearly yielding results.

“Both of those guys have been working diligently with the coaching staff,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “Just working on chemistry together in the middle of the floor for moments like that.”

In their recent clash against the Sacramento Kings, Williamson led the charge with 25 points, while Ingram contributed 21, helping the Pelicans to a 117-112 victory. This win was particularly noteworthy as they managed to bounce back after nearly relinquishing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Jonas Valanciunas also played a pivotal role, delivering a solid double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The Pelicans' victory over the Kings, which was a repeat of their success in a previous encounter, was not without its challenges. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, missing 23 out of 30 attempts from three-point range, they compensated with a dominant inside game, outscoring the Kings 62-28 in the paint. Additional contributions came from Jordan Hawkins and Naji Marshall, who added 13 and 12 points, respectively, rounding off a well-fought team victory.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been showcasing a balanced performance this season, with their offense averaging 113.5 points per game, placing them 17th in the NBA. Their shooting efficiency is notable, with a 47.4% success rate from the field and a 35.9% accuracy from beyond the arc. The team is also making an average of 11.4 three-pointers per game, complemented by their 25.5 assists per game, which ties them for 16th in the league.

Defensively, the Pelicans are allowing an average of 113.9 points per game. Opponents are shooting 46.1% against them from the field and 31.8% from three-point range. One area of concern is their -1.4 rebound differential, with the team averaging 44.5 rebounds per game, including 10.5 on the offensive end. However, they are compensating with solid defensive plays, averaging 7.9 steals and 4.5 blocks per game, and forcing their opponents into 13.4 turnovers per game.

Key contributors include Brandon Ingram, who is averaging 24 points and 5.3 rebounds, and Zion Williamson, with an average of 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds. CJ McCollum continues to be a reliable scorer, while Jonas Valanciunas is a strong presence on the boards, averaging 8.9 rebounds per game.

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Sean Higgs, 27-15, $1036Since James Harden joined the Los Angeles Clippers, the team's dynamics seem to be aligning positively. Despite a rocky start with five consecutive losses following Harden's acquisition, the Clippers have turned the tide with three consecutive wins, nudging their record just above the .500 mark.

In their recent triumph, Kawhi Leonard's 26-point performance, amidst boos from the crowd, stood out. This prompted a reaction from San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich. Paul George also made a significant contribution with 24 points, helping the Clippers secure a 109-102 victory over the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama. This win on the road marked the Clippers' third consecutive victory, a notable recovery from their earlier slump.

“If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on, they are probably going to boo me for the rest of my career,” Leonard said. “It is what it is. They are one of the best fans in the league and they are very competitive.”

However, the Clippers, with a record of 6-7, still have much to prove, especially considering the talent and expectations surrounding their roster. Currently positioned fourth in their division, the team's journey ahead will be crucial in determining their true potential post-Harden's integration.

The Los Angeles Clippers have been showcasing a balanced performance this season, with an average of 113.2 points per game on a 47.3 percent shooting efficiency. Defensively, they are maintaining a solid stance by allowing an average of 109.1 points to their opponents, who are shooting at 45 percent.

Key players are making significant contributions to the Clippers' gameplay. Paul George is leading the charge with an average of 24.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Kawhi Leonard is not far behind, contributing an average of 21.4 points and 5.2 rebounds. James Harden has also been a crucial scorer, while Russell Westbrook has been effective on the boards, averaging 6.2 rebounds per game.

From beyond the arc, the Clippers are hitting 37 percent of their shots, and they are also consistent from the free-throw line, with a 77.5 percent success rate. Defensively, they have been effective in limiting their opponents' three-point shooting to 33.8 percent. Additionally, the team is averaging 44.5 rebounds per game, demonstrating their strength in controlling the boards.

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Best Bets for this Game

Insiders Status:

The Los Angeles Clippers are currently experiencing their most successful phase of the season. However, their recent victories, including those against teams like the Rockets and Spurs, don't significantly enhance their profile, especially considering some unexpected losses earlier in the season. On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans have been showing promising signs of improvement, winning four of their last five games. This resurgence makes them an attractive choice, especially as they regain full health.

When it comes to betting trends, the Clippers have a record of 5-8-0 against the spread this season, which doesn't instill much confidence. In contrast, the Pelicans have been more reliable with a 9-5-1 record against the spread. Historically, the Pelicans have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Clippers, boasting a 9-1 record both straight up and against the spread in their last ten encounters. In their meetings last season, New Orleans dominated, winning by an average margin of 16.7 points.

While the Clippers have shown some signs of cohesion lately, a closer examination reveals that their wins during this streak have come against lower-tier teams. Conversely, the Pelicans' recent victories have been against top-tier Western Conference teams, indicating a stronger performance. Given these factors, the smart betting move would be to back the Pelicans +5.5 ATS.

Prediction: Take the Pelicans +5.5 (-110)

Insiders Status:

In this matchup, we're looking at a total that seems quite fitting for two teams that have recently shown an uptick in their performance. Analyzing their last five games, both the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Clippers have collectively averaged 232 points, indicating a trend towards higher-scoring games. According to DunksandThrees.com, the Pelicans are ranked 7th in the league for their fast-paced play, while the Clippers are more moderate, ranking 18th in tempo.

The Pelicans, currently positioned as the 16th highest-scoring team in the NBA, average 113.5 points per game. The Clippers, on the other hand, are more defensively oriented, ranking 8th in the league for the fewest points allowed per game at 109.1. Despite this defensive strength, the Clippers have demonstrated their scoring capabilities, surpassing 115 points in seven games this season.

New Orleans has been setting a brisk pace in their recent games, often dictating the tempo and pulling their opponents into faster-paced contests. The Clippers, provided they manage to give adequate rest to their veteran players, should be able to match this pace. The Pelicans have been particularly prolific offensively, scoring 120 or more points in four of their last six games. Similarly, the Clippers have also shown their scoring prowess, reaching or exceeding 120 points in five games this season. This pattern suggests that both teams are capable of contributing to a high-scoring affair.

Prediction: Over 224 points (-110)