New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/03/2024, 06:21  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 15/03/2024 at 06:21 in NBA Predictions

The New Orleans Pelicans will play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at the Smoothie King Center in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 39-26 and fifth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 42-23 and fourth in the Conference standings. 

The Los Angeles Clippers have been performing well lately, winning five of their last eight games. They will now look to continue their momentum after a convincing 126-111 road victory against the Bulls last night. Paul George led the team with an impressive performance, scoring 28 points on 11 of 12 shooting, including six 3-pointers, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 27 points, five rebounds, and three assists. The Clippers boast the NBA's 11th-ranked offense, averaging 117 points per game, while the New Orleans Pelicans possess the eighth-ranked defense, conceding 111.2 points per game. The Clippers average 116.8 points per game at home and 117.3 points per game on the road. Defensively, they allow 112.7 points per game, ranking 11th in the league. Russell Westbrook remains sidelined due to injury, and James Harden's availability is uncertain.

The New Orleans Pelicans have also been solid lately, winning five of their last seven games overall. However, they are looking aim to bounce back in this matchup after their four-game win streak was halted by a 116-95 loss to the Cavaliers on Wednesday. Zion Williamson led the team with an impressive 33 points on 13 of 21 shooting, while Brandon Ingram contributed 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Pelicans average 116.1 points per game, which is only 3.4 points more than the Clippers allow (112.7). Defensively, New Orleans gives up an average of 111.2 points per game, ranking eighth in the league. They concede slightly more points at home, averaging 111.2 points per game, compared to playing on the road, where opponents average 111.1 points per game. Dyson Daniels is ruled out for this match due to injury.