Pelicans vs Clippers prediction, odds, preview

The New Orleans Pelicans will meet the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday at the Crypto.com Arena in their final group-stage games of the NBA in-season tournament. Both teams are in Western Conference Group B where the Pelicans are leading the group with a 2-1 record while the Clippers are 1-2. 

Both teams are entering tonight's game playing some of their best basketball of the season. The Pelicans (8-7) have won four of their past five games and swept a two-game set at home against the Sacramento Kings. On Wednesday, the Pelicans beat the Kings 117-112 behind 25 points, six rebounds and five assists from Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram chipped in 23 points while Jonas Valanciunas added 15 points and 11 boards.

Caesars Sportsbook, the official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com, is favoring the hosts by five points with the over/under set at 226.5 total points.

Let's take a closer look at the odds:

New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Clippers

Time/TV: 9:40 p.m. CT (Bally Sports/NBA League Pass)

Spread (from Caesars Sportsbook): Clippers -5

Over/Under: 226.5

Moneyline: Clippers -205, Pelicans +170

The recent trends give the edge to the Pelicans. They swept the season series with the Clippers last year and have won nine of the past 10 against Los Angeles. 

Both teams are playing well. New Orleans is scoring at a high clip with 115 or more points in six straight games. The Pelicans, however, have had much of their success at home and have lost three straight on the road — all by double digits.

Los Angeles might have found something with Russell Westbrook heading to the bench to lead the second unit and letting the Harden-Leonard-George group figure each other out. With some wins under their belt, the Clippers should be able to return home and play with a lot more confidence. Take the Clippers on the moneyline (-205) to be safe.

Prediction: Clippers 114, Pelicans 109 (PUSH)