The New Orleans Pelicans (27-21) welcome the Los Angeles Clippers (24-24) to Smoothie King Center as they look to continue their five-game home winning streak. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 28, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans.
New Orleans opened as a 1-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 227.5 points.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction
In the Clippers’ last outing, they beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 109-100. The Clippers forced 19 turnovers, while the Grizzlies had a free throw rate of 0.173 (below their season average of 0.220). With 40 points on 12-for-19 shooting, Lou Williams was the top scorer from either team.
The Pelicans won a close one over the Houston Rockets in their last contest, 115-113. New Orleans’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Houston. The Pelicans had a rate of 15.4 (below their season average of 20.1), while the Rockets posted a mark of 5.3 (below their season average of 22.5). Anthony Davis led New Orleans in scoring with 27 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
The high-octane offense of New Orleans will battle against the mid-tier defense of Los Angeles. The Pelicans rank sixth in offensive efficiency, while the Clippers are 18th in defensive efficiency. The Pelicans should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Los Angeles comes into the game with records of 24-24 straight up (SU) and 26-21-1 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Clippers have typically gone over the total (56.3 percent).
Meanwhile, New Orleans owns records of 27-21 SU and 26-22 ATS. Games featuring the Pelicans also have typically finished over the total (60.4 percent).
Williams has averaged 23.8 points, 7.0 assists and 2.4 steals over the last five games for Los Angeles.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. DeMarcus Cousins scored a game-high 35 points in the first game, in which the Pelicans defeated the Clippers 111-103, covering as 6-point favorites. He also put up 15 rebounds and five assists. The game finished with a total of 214 points, which was just 4 points below the projected point total of 218 points. New Orleans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (21.6 vs. 15.7). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 20.3).
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Los Angeles is 13-9-1 ATS with 12 overs and 11 unders.
New Orleans is 11-12 ATS at home with 17 overs and 6 unders.
New Orleans is 8-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Los Angeles is 10-2.
The Clippers are 22-17 when they score over 100 points, while the Pelicans are 25-14.
New Orleans ranks second in assists per game (26.5) while Los Angeles ranks 23rd (21.8).
The Clippers rank third in points in the paint per game (49.0) while the Pelicans rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (45.9).
Los Angeles ranks 10th in fast break points per game (13.2) while New Orleans ranks 28th in fast break points allowed per game (13.8).
The Clippers rank fifth in second chance points per game (13.6) while the Pelicans rank 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
New Orleans ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while Los Angeles ranks 20th (5.1).
The Clippers rank 13th in steals per game (8.0) while the Pelicans rank 26th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
Los Angeles ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (29.1) while New Orleans ranks 28th (31.5).
The Clippers rank 16th in points off turnovers per game (16.7) while the Pelicans rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.0).
New Orleans averages 43.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 16th in the league. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (44.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
New Orleans is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Clippers have been outscored by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Los Angeles has defeated opponents by an average of 0.3 points.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 110.4 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.0 points per game (3.6 below their season average).
Note: Cousins is gone for the year with a left Achilles tear, so please account for his absence.
