The Los Angeles Clippers (2-3) welcome the New Orleans Pelicans (3-2) to Crypto.com Arena Sunday. Tip is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Clippers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Clippers are riding a 3-game losing streak. The absence of F Kawhi Leonard has seemingly created chemistry difficulties as they’ve lost 2 straight to the Oklahoma City Thunder, both on the road.
Los Angeles is led by F Paul George, who is averaging 20.3 points per game. George is the main scoring option, but his efficiency has struggled, shooting just 42.4% from the field.
As for the Pelicans, they are banged up and have their top-2 scoring options on the injury report. G CJ McCollum and C Jonas Valančiūnas will do most of the scoring if F Zion Williamson, who is questionable, sits.
New Orleans will be on its 2nd of a 3-game road trip. It lost to the Phoenix Suns to open it and will finish it against the Los Angeles Lakers on the road. The Pelicans have beaten the Dallas Mavericks, Charotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets this season.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Pelicans at Clippers odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:23 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Clippers -150 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +3.5 (+115) | Clippers -3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Pelicans at Clippers key injuries
Pelicans
- F Brandon Ingram (concussion) out
- F Herb Jones (knee) questionable
- F Zion Williamson (hip) questionable
Clippers
- F Robert Covington (health and safety protocols) out
- F Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pelicans at Clippers picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 115, Clippers 112
Moneyline
PASS.
While I would suggest New Orleans to come out on top, I wouldn’t take the plus-money moneyline odds but rather play the spread.
Against the spread
BET PELICANS +3.5 (-115).
The Pelicans are 3-2 and have the 8th-best net rating whereas the Clippers are 2-3 and have the 26th-best. Part of the New Orleans success has been in extra opportunities, ranking 2nd in offensive rebounding rate.
The Clippers sit 28th. They aren’t a great rebounding team and rank last in turnover rate as well. They also rank 18th in effective shooting rate.
Point being, Los Angeles isn’t good offensively, and the Pelicans are the more complete team. Their resume, beating Dallas, is also much better as the Clippers have only taken down the Lakers and Sacramento Kings.
Even banged up and with flaws of their own (mainly ranking in the bottom 3rd in defensive rating), I would take New Orleans here.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 224.5 (-108).
As noted, the Pelicans get extra chances with short shot clocks due to their high rebounding rate, and the Clippers turn the ball over which should lead to extra opportunity for New Orleans.
At the same time, at home, the Clippers are taking on a flawed defense without its best individual defender. The Pelicans may not have an answer for George.
I would lean Over 224.5 (-110) here.
Want action on this NBA game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Bulls Wire | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]