The Los Angeles Clippers (29-13) will travel to the Smoothie King Center to go head-to-head against the New Orleans Pelicans (16-26). Action begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans ATS Odds
Both teams covered in their last matchup. The Pelicans (5.5-point underdogs) defeated the Utah Jazz 138-132, while the Clippers (9.5-point favorite) beat the Orlando Magic 122-95. The New Orleans game went 45.5 points over the projected point total of 224.5, while the Los Angeles game finished 0.5 points under the projected point total of 217.5.
Los Angeles dominated every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.7 (below their season average of 24.8) and a free throw rate of 0.147 (matching their season average). Orlando had marks of 10.9 and 0.098, respectively, for those same stats. The Pelicans, meanwhile, had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.608 (above their season average of 0.526) and had a free throw rate of 0.269 (above their season average of 0.171). Brandon Ingram had a good game for New Orleans, finishing with 49 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Los Angeles was lifted by Kawhi Leonard, who had 32 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers evened the season series at one with a 134-109 blowout win in their most recent matchup. Montrezl Harrell put up a double-double in the victory with 34 points and 12 rebounds. One of Los Angeles’ largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 33 free throw attempts, while New Orleans had 18. Los Angeles covered as a 13-point favorite and the two teams combined for 243 points, which was over the projected point total of 233.
Of the Clippers’ 42 games, 23 have finished under the O/U total. Los Angeles holds records of 29-13 straight up (SU) and 22-19-1 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Pelicans’ 42 games, 24 have finished over the total. Additionally, New Orleans is 16-26 SU and 19-20-3 ATS.
New Orleans might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the league’s best defenses. Los Angeles currently ranks sixth in defensive efficiency, while the Pelicans rank 20th in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Clippers rank fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.226), while the Pelicans rank 26th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.221).
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Pelicans rank 10th in blocks per game (5.1) while the Clippers rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
- Los Angeles ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while New Orleans ranks 27th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.7).
- The Pelicans rank fifth in fast break points per game (16.3) while the Clippers rank 25th in fast break points allowed per game (14.9).
- New Orleans averages 38.3 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (34.5).
- Los Angeles averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 18th in the league. New Orleans ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
- The Clippers rank sixth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.6) while the Pelicans rank 27th (52.2).
- The Clippers average 48.3 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the league. The Pelicans rank 17th in rebounds allowed per game (46.1).
- Los Angeles ranks 18th in assists per game (23.6) while New Orleans ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (24.6).
- Los Angeles ranks first in second chance points per game (15.2) while New Orleans ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.9).
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 12-0 and New Orleans is 3-0.
- The Clippers are 27-9 when they reach the century mark, while the Pelicans are 16-23.
- Los Angeles is 9-10 ATS on the road, while New Orleans is 10-10 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 11 of the Clippers’ 19 road games, while 11 of the Pelicans’ 20 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Pelicans are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Clippers are 2-3.
- In their last five games, New Orleans has 5 overs, while Los Angeles has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Pelicans have outscored opponents by an average of 1.0 point in their last five games. For the season, New Orleans has lost by an average of 3.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 119.6 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.8 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
