On Tuesday, 03/11, the New Orleans Pelicans (17-48) will host the Los Angeles Clippers (35-29) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Pelicans have fallen to the 14th spot, whereas the Clippers are battling hard at the 8th position. Will the tumbling Pelicans stand any chance against the well-endowed Clippers? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Pelicans: Another wasted season
The Pelicans will come into this match-up after a three-point loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, despite an electric 27-point performance by Trey Murphy III. It was their fourth straight loss, indicating that they are on course for their fourth 9-game losing streak this season. These losing streaks sum up their season. The team has lacked a strong point guard as Dejounte Murray missed most of the season, their most versatile isolation shooter Brandon Ingram was traded while Zion Williamson was only available during the large parts of the second half of the season. Trey Murphy III has been brilliant and has a strong case for the Most Improved Player award, but overall, the Pels have some tough decisions to make during the offseason.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG/SG: CJ McCollum | SG: Trey Murphy III | SF: Zion Williamson | PF: Kelly Olynyk | C: Yves Missi
Key Injuries/Updates: Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones are OUT FOR THE SEASON. Brandon Boston may not return, too. The status of CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson is UNCLEAR.
Clippers: Tough nut to crack, but they need better returns on the road
The Clippers will come into this game after a 1-point Overtime win over the Sacramento Kings as Kawhi Leonard made a tough game-winning mid-ranger over multiple defenders. It was their third straight win, and all these victories came against teams with +.500 records. They have been stellar at home but woeful away from home, as they are 13-19 on the road(worst among top-9 teams). The team desperately needs to fix their play on the road, or they will keep falling to the Play-in tournament instead of achieving the direct qualification for the first round. At any rate, James Harden has been on a tear lately, while Leonard’s availability has been reassuring on both ends. Meanwhile, Norman Powell helped keep their season alive before his injury, while Ivica Zubac has been a stellar two-way presence in the paint.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG/SG: James Harden | SG: Kris Dunn | SF: Kawhi Leonard | PF: Nicolas Batum | C: Ivica Zubac
Key Injuries/Updates: Ben Simmons and Norman Powell are likely to be OUT.
The Pelicans’ defense is highly inconsistent, and they give up 120+ points at a high note. Meanwhile, they are unable to score 110+ points routinely, often resulting in big blowouts. Meanwhile, the Clippers are one of the best defensive teams, but on the road, they have had some hiccups, conceding 115+ regularly. At any rate, I see the Clippers shutting down the Pels around 100 here while scoring over 113 at least.
Projected Predictions:
Trey Murphy III to be held under 20 points: The New Orleans guard has scored 26 or more in two of the last three games. I believe he will be held below 20 points here though.
Yves Missi to be held under 8 points: The Pelicans center is tallying around 9 PPG but has scored 10 or more in three straight games. I expect the Clippers to break that trend here.
Kawhi Leonard to score over 22.5 points: The Claw has tallied 22.4 PPG in his last five games but has scored fewer than 21 points in three straight games. I expect him to erupt for a 26-30 points piece here.
Ivica Zubac to hoard over 13.5 rebounds: The elite rebounder has gobbled up 12.5 RPG during the season and has grabbed 14 rebounds in two straight games. I believe he will force many misses and be in the 15-17 rebounds range.
The Clippers are the overwhelming favorites here in all aspects. They have much more starpower and momentum than the Pels. They can prevail here despite their struggles on the road. The Pels can put up some fight if Williamson is available, but I don’t think he will be able to prevent an outright blowout.
Safe Spread Pick: Clippers -9.5 for +140 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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