Did both the Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans think they may have accomplished more by now?

The Clippers loaded up with superstars but wound up famously blowing a 3-1 series lead against Denver in the bubble. And the Pelicans, who had the first pick in the draft, bringing them Zion Williamson, and then got a lot in return for trading away Anthony Davis, haven’t really improved their position all that much.

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These teams will get together on Sunday night at the Smoothie King Arena. We think we can help you get the best of it in this situation. So jump on it at America’s Bookie.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Picks

Clippers vs. Pelicans Betting Report

Tip-off: 9 PM ET (Sunday)

NBA Betting Odds: Clippers -5.5, Total 236.5

There was a writer at USA Today who did a story on Zion Williamson that almost wholly consisted of figuring out that he had the ninth most points in his first 60 games, and could become the first player in NBA history to average 25 points per game before the age of 21. Gee, how many points will he have to score before his birthday?

Meanwhile, the Pelicans are sitting with a 16-22 record (both straight-up and against the points).

They might make some strides in fantasy basketball, but these Pels appear to be severely underachieving. With the likes of Zion, along with Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Steven Adams, JJ Redick, Eric Bledsoe and others, they should be right in the middle of the playoff mix. Instead, they are struggling just to reach the bottom rung.

You would almost think Alvin Gentry was still at the controls. But this is a problem Stan Van Gundy was supposed to be solving.

Instead, they are winning at about the same rate they did last season, when they were also a non-contender.

On Friday night, NBA bettors caught a glimpse of what they might be capable of – at least against a lesser light – when they blasted out to a 93-57 lead after three quarters against Cleveland before coasting to a 116-82 victory. Ingram had 28 points, with 23 from Williamson. The Pelicans did not shoot particularly well; in fact, they hit only six of 24 from beyond the three-point arc. But they got very lucky as the Cavs shot just 22% from three-point range and 34% overall.

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We say they got lucky, because New Orleans is not noted for its defense, which has actually been part of its problem. In the category of Defensive Rating, they are no better than 28th out of 30 teams in the NBA. They have been +6.5 per game in the rebounding department, which is a good thing.

But they have allowed the opposition to shoot 39.2% from three-point territory, and only two teams have been less effective than that.

Unfortunately, that makes for an disadvantageous matchup against the Clippers. You see, Tyronn Lue’s team is best in the NBA at 42% from downtown. And at any given time, they can put five players on the floor at once who are 40% or better. This includes Kawhi Leonard (40.1%), Paul George (45.2%), Marcus Morris (46.5%), Lou Williams (40%), Nicolas Batum (44.3%), Patrick Beverley (42%) and Luke Kennard (44.4%). Needless to say, New Orleans is going to be stretched out a little.

And, with four players who have been NBA All-Defensive (George, Leonard, Beverley, Serge Ibaka), it goes without saying that the Clips have an edge on the stop end.

Also, the Pelicans are without one of their better three-point shooters, JJ Redick, for the time being (foot injury), although we believe he may still be able to do his podcast.

Zion will get his points, which is important to some people (including those who are wagering on player props), but the Clippers will walk away with this win/cover.

The Play: LA CLIPPERS -5.5