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Game Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans
The Los Angeles Clippers return home to face the New Orleans Pelicans in their NBA Cup opener Friday night at the Intuit Dome. Los Angeles is seeking to reignite its offense after an abysmal showing at Golden State, while the Pelicans continue to search for their first win of the season.
The Clippers (2-2) fell 98-79 to the Warriors on Tuesday, scoring only 30 points in the second half. Their 36.6% field goal percentage marked their worst shooting night since October 2021. Despite that, the team has been far more effective at home — averaging 121.5 points per game at the Intuit Dome compared to just 93.5 on the road.
Bradley Beal, who missed the last two games with back soreness, has been cleared to return, giving the Clippers a much-needed scoring boost alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the need for better offensive rhythm and lineup balance, particularly when both Harden and Leonard rest.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (0-4) have endured a brutal start, losing each of their first four games by an average margin of 22.5 points. They’ve been hampered by injuries to Dejounte Murray and Kevon Looney, forcing rookie Jeremiah Fears and young big man Yves Missi into larger roles.
For the latest betting lines and in-season tournament standings, check the NBA scores and odds section and the full NBA expert betting guide.
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Line Movement and Odds
Los Angeles opened as an 11.5-point favorite, with the total sitting around 224.5. Given New Orleans’ early offensive struggles and the Clippers’ elite defense, early bettors have leaned toward the under.
This game marks the start of West Group B play, which includes the Lakers, Mavericks, and Grizzlies. Bettors can reference broader tournament projections in the NBA Western Conference odds preview and team futures in the NBA Pacific Division outlook.
Los Angeles Clippers Outlook
The Clippers’ offense fell apart against Golden State, shooting just 1-of-10 from three in the second half and committing eight turnovers. Still, the return of Bradley Beal provides an opportunity to reset. In Beal’s two appearances this season, Los Angeles averaged 125 points per game and looked fluid in half-court sets.
Defensively, the Clippers remain elite, ranking third in points allowed (109.0) and first in opponent free-throw attempts per game. Kawhi Leonard continues to anchor the unit, while Ivica Zubac provides stability in the paint with 9.8 rebounds per game.
Expect a more balanced offensive approach at home, with Harden facilitating early and Beal serving as the secondary scorer. Lue’s emphasis on pace and spacing should help Los Angeles regain its rhythm against a vulnerable New Orleans defense.
Clippers Injury Report
- Bradley Beal (G) – Probable (Back)
- Norman Powell (G/F) – Questionable (Knee)
- Russell Westbrook (G) – Out (Personal)
For long-term insights on team value, review the NBA Pacific Division odds predictions, where the Clippers remain a strong top-three pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Outlook
The Pelicans’ 0-4 start has been marked by disjointed offense and a lack of defensive consistency. They rank 29th in scoring (97.8 ppg) and 28th in field goal percentage (41.3%), struggling to generate rhythm without veteran playmakers.
Rookie Jeremiah Fears provided a spark in Denver, scoring 21 points and dishing six assists, while Yves Missi continued to show promise as an interior finisher. However, the Pelicans’ 11-point third quarter against the Nuggets underscored their tendency to collapse under defensive pressure.
Coach Willie Green emphasized resilience and effort after the loss, praising Fears’ energy but acknowledging that the team must “find its collective fight.” With no timeline for Dejounte Murray’s return, the Pelicans’ offensive load rests on inexperienced shoulders.
Pelicans Injury Report
- Dejounte Murray (G) – Out (Achilles)
- Kevon Looney (C) – Out (Knee)
- Naji Marshall (F) – Questionable (Ankle)
- Cody Zeller (C) – Out (Foot)
To monitor potential player breakouts like Fears and Missi, explore emerging market analysis in the NBA Most Improved Player odds tracker.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
- Kawhi Leonard vs Jeremiah Fears: Veteran poise meets youthful energy — Leonard’s defense could dictate New Orleans’ scoring pace.
- Paint Battle: Zubac and Missi will control key second-chance opportunities; the Clippers rank fourth in rebounding differential.
- Turnovers: The Pelicans average 17.5 turnovers per game, while the Clippers rank top five in forcing steals — an area that could swing momentum.
If New Orleans can protect the ball and attack early in transition, they might keep things close. Otherwise, Los Angeles’ half-court defense could suffocate them.
Betting Trends
- Clippers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.
- Pelicans are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games on the road.
- Under is 6-1 in New Orleans’ last seven games.
- Clippers are 9-1 straight up as a home favorite in their last 10 games.
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Prediction
Los Angeles should bounce back offensively behind Beal’s return and Leonard’s leadership. The Pelicans’ lack of depth and inexperience make an upset unlikely, but their frontcourt energy could keep them inside the number early.
Projected Score: Clippers 110, Pelicans 100
Best Bet: Pelicans +11.5
Total Lean: Under 224.5
Scores and Stats Handicappers
For verified NBA Cup picks, daily profit tracking, and live ATS trends, visit the Scores and Stats Handicappers page. Stay updated on game-day line movement and expert selections for every Western Conference matchup.
