Betsided

Clippers vs. Pelicans Prediction and Odds (Back L.A. Despite Lack of Superstars)

By Ben Heisler

Clippers guard Reggie Jackson has taken on a more active role shooting in Los Angeles' offense over the the past several games.
Clippers guard Reggie Jackson has taken on a more active role shooting in Los Angeles' offense over the the past several games. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Despite scoring 28 points in the first half on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Clippers rallied from a 25-point deficit to stun the Denver Nuggets 87-85 at home, outscoring Denver 32-19 in the 4th quarter.

They'll look to ride that positive finish into tonight's matchup in New Orleans against the Pelicans who also come off off a game-winning one possession victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brandon Ingram hit the go-ahead three to give the Pelicans the 128-125 win, dropping 33 points on 11-19 shooting, including 6-of-7 from behind the arc.

Should bettors back either one of these teams to keep the momentum going on the spread, or focus instead on the low total.

Let's dive into the latest odds courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook:

Clippers vs. Pelicans Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Clippers +3.5
  • Pelicans -3.5

Moneyline:

  • Clippers +130
  • Pelicans -160

Total: 214 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Clippers vs. Pelicans Prediction and Pick

After opening at Clippers +3, the line has shifted slightly in the opposite direction; moving to +3.5 for L.A. I get why the oddsmakers have listed them at this number given the key superstars out due to injury, but it also feels a bit too overreactive based on the Pelicans' body of work.

The trends seem to back New Orleans here, as they're 3-1 at home as a favorite. The Clippers, meanwhile, have struggled to cover on the road as of late, going 0-5 in their last five matchups away from home.

This is one of those nights where I'll side against those particular numbers. New Orleans is a bottom-7 team in defensive rating while also bottom-7 in total offense. They face a top-4 defensive club in the Clippers who despite their offensive inconsistencies, should be able to generate more open looks against a Pelicans team that doesn't tend to get key stops on that side of the ball.

The other reason I like L.A. is they made some major second half adjustments on MVP-candidate Nikola Jokic in the second half, giving themselves a great opportunity to build up their deep comeback. They played outstanding defense and committed to more of a zone that got Denver completely out of sync.

I'll back the Clippers despite the short movement against them, and give myself an extra half-point in the process.

LEAN: Clippers +3.5 (-110)

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