Wednesday night features nine NBA games, including a Western Conference showdown with the LA Clippers visiting the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
The Clippers come into the matchup at No. 8 in the West with a 34-34 record, while the Pelicans sit at No. 12 with a 23-46 mark.
Here’s a preview of this game, scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET tipoff.
Clippers vs Pelicans Odds
Moneyline: Clippers (+105) vs Pelicans (-125)
Spread: Clippers +1.5 (-110) vs Pelicans -1.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Clippers o232.5 (-110) vs Pelicans u232.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Clippers vs Pelicans Preview
This marks the first of a back-to-back set between the two teams at the Smoothie King Center.
The Clippers have taken the first two meetings this season, winning by two points in October and by 20 in their early March matchup.
Even so, the Pelicans enter as the hotter squad, having won eight of their last 12 games. Over that stretch, New Orleans ranks No. 10 in net rating at 5.3, with the No. 9 offense at 117.6 and the No. 11 defense at 112.3.
The Clippers, who are 7-5 over the same span, rank No. 4 in offensive rating at 120.2 but sit in the bottom half of the league defensively at 114.2, good for No. 16. Los Angeles comes into this game off back-to-back losses to the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans have beaten the Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and Dallas Mavericks, with their only recent loss being a two-point defeat to the Houston Rockets on the road.
Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson have led the way for New Orleans over the last 12 games, each averaging 20.4 points per game along with more than 5.0 rebounds.
The return of Dejounte Murray has also provided a boost, as he is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists in eight games, while Saddiq Bey is contributing 19.6 points and 5.3 assists.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard continues to play at an MVP level with 29.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists, along with 1.8 steals per game.
Their trade acquisitions have also delivered, with Darius Garland averaging 19.9 points and 6.6 assists, and Bennedict Mathurin adding 19.4 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Injury Reports
The Clippers could be without several key contributors, as of writing.
Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland are listed as questionable, while Bennedict Mathurin is out with a right toe injury, along with Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who are both out for the season.
For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray is questionable, while Bryce McGowens is out with a right small toe fracture. G League players Trey Alexander, Hunter Dickinson and Josh Oduro are also out on assignment.
Starting Lineups
Expect the Clippers to roll out Kris Dunn, Kobe Sanders, Derrick Jones Jr., John Collins and Brook Lopez in the starting lineup. Expect Darius Garland to replace Dunn and Kawhi Leonard to take over for Sanders if they are available.
For the Pelicans, expect Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi and Saddiq Bey to start.
Prediction
However, the Pelicans appear to have found their rhythm and could take advantage of a potentially shorthanded Los Angeles squad.
Our prediction: Pelicans win by 8.
Clippers vs Pelicans Player Props
- Kawhi Leonard O/U 28.5 points – Take the over.
- Dejounte Murray O/U 16.5 points – Take the over.
- Zion Williamson O/U 22.5 points – Take the over.
- Darius Garland O/U 10.5 points – Take the under.
