Clippers Face Pelicans Amidst Struggles in Key NBA Matchup

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Los Angeles Clippers (35-29) will take on the New Orleans Pelicans (17-48) on Tuesday, March 11, at the Smoothie King Center. The Clippers aim to extend their winning streak to four games, while the struggling Pelicans look to end a four-game skid. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles has been solid with a record that includes a 13-19 record on the road this season. In contrast, New Orleans sits at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, having lost their last four games and struggling to find consistent success.

The Clippers won their prior meeting this season but the Pelicans held the upper hand in recent matchups, taking six of the last seven against Los Angeles. Currently, the Clippers are favored by seven points, with an over/under set at 222.5 points for the game.

Injuries have impacted both teams heading into the matchup. The Clippers will be without Norman Powell, who has been pivotal in their scoring this season, averaging 23.8 points per game. The Pelicans are also facing challenges, as key player Zion Williamson remains unclear for this game due to fitness concerns.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which has proven successful with over $10,000 in profit for $100 players this season, predicts a total of 224 points scored. It also indicates that one side of the spread has nearly a 60% chance of winning based on thousands of simulations of the game.

Beyond the stats, the Clippers bring a strong defense, currently ranking fourth in the league for points allowed per game. This contrasts sharply with the Pelicans, who have struggled defensively, allowing the second-highest field goal percentage in the NBA and ranking near the bottom in both points allowed and defensive rating.

New Orleans will attempt to rely on their scoring threats, which include Murphy, averaging 21.8 points, and Williamson, who averages 24.8 ppg when healthy. Despite their struggles against the spread, the Pelicans have managed to cover in four of their last five home games.

The Clippers are coming off a one-point overtime win against the Sacramento Kings, showcasing their resilience and ability to execute under pressure. Head coach Brian Shaw has emphasized the need for his team to improve on the road if they aim to secure a better playoff position.

As both teams prepare for the matchup, it remains to be seen if the Clippers can maintain their momentum against a Pelicans team desperate to turn their fate around this season. The clash promises to be critical for both teams as they look to solidify their standings in the competitive Western Conference.