Los Angeles Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: The Clippers look to extend their First Round prospects

The NBA Regular Season is in its final stages and we are hitting the Postseason window soon. This is a crucial window where a win or loss can mean a lot. So, each game becomes more and more important for teams vying for different spots. This will apply when the Los Angeles Clippers are going to meet the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Clippers enter the game after defeating the Thunder 127:105 as Kawhi Leonard poured in 32 points. The Clippers avenged a one-point loss and have won six of their last eight games. The season hasn’t exactly been rosy for the squad which loses its grip repeatedly and during crucial junctures. However, the current run has bolstered their claim for a top-six spot and they have accumulated 39 wins and 35 losses.

The team has lacked offensive support around Leonard and George who have both done their parts. Norman Powell’s injury has made things complicated while the Point Guard position hasn’t yielded that much. The Clippers will play their next four out of eight games at home. The Clippers are looking primed to finish in the top six and it will be interesting to see how they perform during the Playoffs.

The Pelicans come into this game after defeating the Hornets 115:96 on the heels of a 30 points and 10 assists outburst by Brandon Ingram. The team benefited from what was the leanest opposition window for any team and defeated three bottom feeders to thrust themselves back into the Play-in contention. They have had an abysmal second half of the season and after a thumping start, the injury to Zion Williamson derailed them.

However, there is the hope of at least making something happen during the Play-in tournament if they make it. Brandon Ingram has worked his way well after the injury but he will need huge support from CJ McCollum. The team doesn’t have a Point Guard who can act as a feeder so they play CJ and Brandon as primary ball handlers. Their defense has been decent but this team will need Zion to be more active.

• Clippers: OUT: Brandon Boston Jr, Paul George, Norman Powell;
• Pelicans: OUT: Jose Alvarado, Zion Williamson, EJ Lidell. Game-Time Decision: Trey Murphy III.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Kawhi Leonard(28+ Points), Brandon Ingram(25-31 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Jonas Valanciunas(14-19 Rebounds), Ivica Zubac(9-11 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Russell Westbrook(8-10 Assists), Brandon Ingram(7-9 Assists).

The Clippers will fancy their chances in this game considering they are playing at home but they’d have liked Paul George to be available. The Pels play much better when Ingram is ringing the scoring column and their defense has been decent. However, the Clippers aren’t opponents like the Hornets, Rockets, and Spurs. They have way more experience and I expect Kawhi to pull off a win here. I predict a scoreline of 115:108 in favor of the Clippers.