Subscribe
Follow Us
The Los Angeles Clippers travel to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Pelicans for the second time this season. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Clippers-Pelicans prediction and pick.
The Clippers hold the fourth-best record in the Western Conference at 25-14, and they are 21-18 against the spread. Their last game resulted in a blowout win over the Golden State Warriors.
The Pelicans stand at 16-22 both overall and against the spread. They are coming off a blowout win of their own over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Clippers-Pelicans odds.
NBA Odds: Clippers-Pelicans Odds
New Orleans Pelicans +6 (-110)
Over 232.5 Points (-110)
Under 232.5 Points (-110)
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
One of the Clippers biggest strengths is that they don't often lose to weaker teams. Of their 14 losses, only three of them were to teams currently only .500.
They have also been moderately successful at covering the large spreads against these mediocre squads. When given a spread of six points or higher as favorites, the Clips are 13-10 against the spread.
The reason for the Clippers success lies mainly in their shooting efficiency and strong perimeter defense.
Currently, the Clips and Pelicans are locked in a tie for the fifth highest producing offense in the league, both averaging 115.2 points per contest.
But the way the Clippers get their points is significantly different than how the Pels put up numbers.
For a team that scores so many points, the Pels are surprisingly inefficient from three, shooting only 35.3% from deep. The Clips are the best three-point shooting team in the NBA, connecting on a whopping 42.0% of their treys.
The Los Angeles shooters are primed for a big night against New Orleans. The Pelicans three-point defense has been nearly non-existent, allowing opponents to shoot 39.2%. Against a Clippers team that shoots in volume from three, this could get ugly quickly if the Clips get hot from downtown.
Article Continues Below
Why The Pelicans Could Cover The Spread
While the Clippers might have the advantage at the three-point line, the Pels own the paint.
New Orleans scores the third most paint points in the league, thanks in large part to Zion Williamson. The Clippers score the third least paint points.
With bodies like Williamson and Steven Adams, the Clippers will be forced to play bigger or pay the price.
Los Angeles likes to play a smaller lineup with Serge Ibaka at the center spot and four shooters out on the floor. It'll be interesting to see who matches up with Williamson if this is the case. Perhaps we'll get to see Kawhi Leonard get a shot at slowing the phenom down.
Whatever the matchup, Zion hasn't been slowed by anyone recently. The first-time All-Star has been putting up ridiculous numbers. In his last five matchups, Williamson is averaging 24.8 points and 8.8 rebounds on 59% shooting from the field.
The Pelicans will focus on feeding Zion the ball and letting him play the bully ball that has been successful so far.
Defensively, New Orleans will focus on chasing the Clippers off the three-point line and forcing them in the painted area. Los Angeles averages 34.5 three-point attempts per game, and when they shoot 36+ three-pointers, they have only lost three games.
The Clips have too many good shooters to hope they all have off nights. New Orleans will rely on Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe to control the perimeter tonight to keep this close.
Final Clippers-Pelicans Prediction & Pick
This Pelicans team has driven bettors crazy all year. They can come out and beat the best team in the league when hot, and then get blown out by the worst team in the league. This happened in the span of ten days when the Pel beat the Jazz, then lost by 30 to the Timberwolves. Against a Clippers team that's been solid to great all year, I'll take the consistency that comes with the Clippers. In a game that should be fairly high scoring, six points is a fairly small spread. Clips to win and cover on the road.
FINAL PICK: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS -6
