New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers Predictions

New Orleans Pelicans (34-43 SU, 39-37-1 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (38-40 SU, 37-40-1 ATS)
When: Sunday April 03 2022, 09:30 PM (ET)
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: BSNO

Point Spread: NOP +2.5/LAC -2.5 (Opened LAC -3 at BetNow)
Total: 223 (Opened at 224.5)
Money Line: New Orleans 115/LA Clippers -138
Power Rating:

Probable Starting Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans PG C.J. McCollum, SG Herb Jones, SF Brandon Ingram, PF Jaxson Hayes, C Jonas Valanciunas
Los Angeles Clippers PG Reggie Jackson Off Inj, SG Nicolas Batum Off Inj, SF Paul George Off Inj, PF Marcus Morris Off Inj, C Ivica Zubac

Key Injuries

New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson: Foot (OUT) Kira Lewis Jr.: Knee (OUT)

Los Angeles Clippers Nicolas Batum: Ankle (PROBABLE) Brandon Boston Jr.: Illness (QUESTIONABLE) Norman Powell: Foot (OUT) Jason Preston: Foot (OUT) Jay Scrubb: Toe (OUT) Kawhi Leonard: Knee (OUT)

The Los Angeles Clippers host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 09:30 PM ET at the Staples Center.

Recent Form

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 34-43, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 38 road contests, sitting at 16-22. Over their last five games, the Pelicans have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, New Orleans is averaging 115.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 109.0. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 114.0 points per contest. The Pelicans have been picking up wins while holding opponents to an average of 108.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 109.8. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, New Orleans took down the LA Lakers by a score of 114-111

The Los Angeles Clippers come into this game with an overall record of 38-40, placing them 8th in the Western Conference. So far, Los Angeles is above .500 at home, holding a record of 21-16. Over the Clippers’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, Los Angeles is averaging 123.0 points per game, 15.0 points more than their season average of 107.7. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Clippers’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 124.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 108.9. In the Los Angeles Clippers’ most recent game, Los Angeles took down Milwaukee by a score of 153-119.

Individual Player Analysis

As New Orleans travels to take on the Los Angeles Clippers, the Pelicans’ leading scorer is CJ McCollum. Through 22 games, McCollum is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 45.0% of his games. As McCollum gets set to take on the Clippers, he could be in line for a big game as Los Angeles is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.47% of their games. This figure places them 23rd among NBA defenses. On the other side, the Clippers will be looking forward to the return of Paul George, as he was averaging 24 points across his 29 games. However, if he hopes to add to this total, George will need to do so against a Pelicans defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 25.0%. This figure is good for a rank of 0th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

The Pelicans come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 108.0 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, New Orleans is winning at a rate of 69%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 11.0 points. On the other side, the Clippers hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 25 games as the better defensive team, picking up 16 wins (64%).

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, New Orleans picked up a 113-89 win.

How the Public is Betting the Pelicans vs Clippers

67% are betting the Clippers against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 223.0

More Picks: Get Joe’s Nuggets at Lakers 4/3/22 Anlysis & Picks >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.
• Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog.
• Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
• Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Los Angeles Clippers host the Pelicans, having all but locked up the 8th seed in the Western Conference play-in tournament. On the other side, a win for the Pelicans would give them a huge leg up in the race of the 9th seed and a home game in the NBA play-in tournament. Look for the Clippers to cover the spread as 2.5 point favorites, as their ability to knock down the three-point shot at an elite level will be the difference over a Pelicans unit that ranks 27th in three-point shooting percentage.