The New Orleans Pelicans will attempt to get back to .500 when they take on the struggling Los Angeles Clippers. Considering the Pelicans 0-4 start, a 5-5 record would not be too bad 10 games into the season, especially for a franchise that has gotten off to such poor starts in the past. New Orleans had their four game winning streak snapped Friday night in a 115-109 loss to the Timberwolves, in game in which Jeremiah Fears led the team in scoring with a season-high 24 points.
The Clippers have been unable to find a win since they won their opening game of the season. They are on a seven-game losing streak and currently leading the NBA in turnovers per game. Despite the losing streak, the Clippers have shown life in their last two games. They held a fourth quarter lead against both the Raptors and Heat. If Los Angeles can play a full 48 minute game, they may be able to snap their losing streak.
Not much has gone right for the Clippers to start the year, as they have struggled with offensive consistency and taking care of the basketball. It looked like this team was going to turn the corner with a 10-point fourth quarter lead, but Klay Thompson’s go-ahead three pointer with one second remaining in overtime is what sunk the Clippers’s hopes. After three days of rest, the Clippers once again have another good opportunity to bounce back against the Pelicans.
With Yves Missi continuing to miss time with injury, the Pelicans have struggled with defense, specifically rim protection. They allow 118.8 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the NBA. The Pelicans allowed the Timberwolves easy points in the paint all game Friday night. Darius Garland, who averages 20.9 points per game, should be able to penetrate the middle of the defense against the Pelicans. Despite their recent struggles, the Clippers have an opportunity to get their offense going against a Pelicans defense. New Orleans’ struggles to consistently get stops could allow the Clippers to find their rhythm.
Pelicans vs Clippers prediction: LA Clippers ML (+105) is available at the time of publishing. Playable to -2(+120).
