LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 30, 2024

The LA Clippers start a three-game road swing with a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. LA will look to extend its two-game winning streak against the slumping Pelicans, who have lost their last nine games. Kawhi Leonard remains out, but James Harden is ready to lead the Clippers.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, will be without Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Jose Alvarado. Rookie Yves Missi, one of the team’s brightest spots, is iffy due to a mid-back contusion. The hosts will be hard-pressed to snap out of their slump because of an injury-plagued roster.

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LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans will host the Clippers-Pelicans showdown. Fans who can’t go to the venue can stream the action via the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Clippers (-240) vs. Pelicans (+195)

Odds: Clippers (-6.0) vs. Pelicans (+6.0)

Total (O/U): Clippers (o221.0 -110) vs. Pelicans (u221.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.

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LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans preview

The LA Clippers continue to hang their hats on defense. They are allowing 107.1 points per game, fourth-best in the NBA, and rank fourth in defensive rating. Ty Lue will again push his charges to keep that level, even against the injury-hampered New Orleans Pelicans.

The Clippers, meanwhile, will have to be careful with their turnovers. An upset could happen if they cough up the ball too many times. LA averages 16.7 errors per game, the third-worst in the NBA.

The Pelicans are, unsurprisingly, one of the worst teams on offense. They are scoring 106.5 PPG, the third-worst mark in the NBA. Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum and Herb Jones must have good scoring games for New Orleans for the Pelicans to have a chance of pulling off an upset.

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LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineups

Clippers

PG: James Harden | PG: Kris Dunn | SG: Norman Powell | SF: Derrick Jones Jr. | C: Ivica Zubac

Pelicans

PG: Dejounte Murray | SG: CJ McCollum | SF: Trey Murphy III | PF: Herb Jones | C: Yves Missi

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LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans betting tips

Trey Murphy III has been on fire in his last five games, averaging 26.2 PPG on 53.4% shooting, including 45.2% from deep. LA’s defense is tough to crack, but the sweet-shooting forward likely tops his 20.5 (O/U) points prop.

Like Murphy, Clippers guard Norman Powell has been performing well in his last five games, averaging 28.2 PPG on 51.5% shooting, including 43.9% from behind the arc. New Orleans’ injury-plagued roster could allow him to hit the over in his 23.5 (O/U) points prop.

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LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The LA Clippers have been playing well, particularly on the defensive end. Even if their offense struggles, they can always rely on their ability to slow down opponents to grind out wins.

The New Orleans Pelicans don't have that luxury of one end having an off night. They have to play well on both sides of the floor to beat teams. Without Ingram and Williamson, their offense could struggle again.

The Clippers could extend the Pelicans’ slump but allow the hosts to cover the +6.0 spread.