In this Play-in elimination game for the eighth-ranked team in the West, the Los Angeles Clippers will host the New Orleans Pelicans. The game will take place on 16 April at 05:00 AM (+3 UTC). The Clippers lost the last game versus the Timberwolves due to which they face a must-win situation versus the Pelicans. On the other hand, the Pelicans defeated the Spurs to have one more chance at claiming the Playoffs spot.
Bet on Los Angeles Clippers - New Orleans Pelicans
Best bets on Clippers vs Pelicans
Win/Lose/Handicap: Bookmakers from 22Bet are giving the Clippers a better chance of winning with the odds of 1.52. They have the home-court advantage and they have looked in heavenly form ever since Paul George has returned. On the other hand, Norman Powell and Reggie Jackson can turn it on too. However, I am leaning towards the Pelicans here because something about them is magnetizing. The duo of McCollum and Ingram look formidable since both are willing passers while the roster make-up will be discussed later. I will rather pick the Pelicans here with a handicap of -3.5 which is a risky pick, considering the odds of 3.24. (Handicap 2 -3.5)
Player Props: Bookmakers at Bet365 predict that the odds of CJ McCollum going over 25.5 Points(at least 26 points) are 1.90. McCollum is coming off a 32 points night against the Spurs and has bolstered the scoring reserves of the Pels. I believe he will go over that mark and he may as well take over late in the game. (Player Props: Player Points: CJ McCollum Over 25.5)
Bookmakers at 1xBet suggest that the Total of Over 216.5 is bringing the odds of 2.03. When I think about it, I also reach a similar range of 212-218 here. The Pelicans have showcased some offensive struggles away from home and the defense of the Clippers has been turned on ever since Paul George arrived at the scene. I still will take the “Over” route here. (Total Over 216.5)
Where to Watch Clippers vs Pelicans
This game is available on the NBA League Pass.
Bet on Los Angeles Clippers - New Orleans Pelicans
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers look like a deep team but they’d be a bit gutted after the last game, considering they were up against the high-scoring Wolves and kept them in check for the most parts until the flurry of points by Edwards and Russell in the last quarter. Paul George has been terrific on both ends and of course, if he wasn’t present, the Clippers will not be even seen as favorites here. Reggie Jackson knows to turn on the scoring knob during the Playoffs whereas Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington make for a deep Power Forward rotation. Ivica Zubac has been a factor in the middle but Jonas Valanciunas can expose him on the defensive end. Norman Powell is the “X-Factor” and he provides something that the Pelicans lack; off the bench versatile scoring.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans had one of their best performances in the win against the Spurs and they will surely take the momentum here. The duo of McCollum and Ingram is highly versatile and as these two are willing passers and can also score from multiple areas, the offensive rhythm has been top-notch when the two are paired. Jonas Valanciunas is a perfect fit around these two and his brilliant scoring and rebounding game can help the Pelicans fend off the Clippers here. Herbert Jones will be huge as the defensive Forward here and he will be donning the task to contain Paul George. Jaxson Hayes and Jose Alvarado can be the “X-Factors” here but the trio of Jonas, Ingram, and McCollum will have to get it done.
Clippers vs Pelicans: possible lineups
- Clippers most likely starting five: PG: Reggie Jackson | G: Paul George| SF: Marcus Morris | PF: Nicolas Batum | C: Ivica Zubac;
- Pelicans most likely starting five: G: CJ McCollum | SF: Brandon Ingram | F: Herbert Jones | F: Jaxson Hayes | C: Jonas Valanciunas.
