It will be a showdown between two outstanding offenses when the New Orleans Pelicans (12-12), 2.5-point favorites, take on the Los Angeles Clippers (15-7) at Smoothie King Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 237.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – New Orleans at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds
The Pelicans defeated the Charlotte Hornets in their last outing, 119-109, covering as 3-point favorites. The Clippers, meanwhile, were beat by the Dallas Mavericks, 114-110, and were not able to cover as 2-point underdogs. The New Orleans game hit the projected point total of 228, while the Los Angeles game finished 12 points under the projected point total of 236.
New Orleans dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.576 (above their season average of 0.528) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.1 (below their season average of 27.1). For those same stats, Charlotte put up marks of 0.484 and 21.2, respectively. Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (8.7 vs. 13.1). Anthony Davis fueled New Orleans with 36 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists. Los Angeles rallied around Montrezl Harrell, who put up 23 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Davis led the Pelicans to a 116-109 victory. He registered a double-double with 34 points and 13 rebounds. New Orleans covered as a 6-point favorite and the two teams combined to score 225 points, which was under the projected point total of 237.5. The Pelicans’ 6.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Clippers, who had a mark of 13.9.
Of the Clippers’ 21 games with betting action, 13 have finished over the total. Los Angeles heads into the contest with records of 15-7 straight up (SU) and 14-7 against the spread (ATS).
Much like Los Angeles, Pelicans games also tend to finish over the O/U total (56.5 percent). Moreover, New Orleans owns records of 12-12 SU and 10-13 ATS.
Harrell and Danilo Gallinari have been playing well over the last five games for Los Angeles. Harrell has averaged 20 points,8.4 rebounds,1.6 blocks per game, while Gallinari has recorded 17 points,7.2 rebounds,3.6 assists a game during that span.
Expect New Orleans to dominate the offensive glass in this showdown. The Pelicans currently rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (27.0 percent), while Los Angeles ranks 26th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.0 percent). Furthermore, the fourth-ranked offense of the Clippers (offensive efficiency of 110.9) will face off against the 24th-ranked defense of the Pelicans (defensive efficiency of 109.8).
Clippers vs. Pelicans ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Pelicans rank 22 in points off turnovers per game (16.375) while the Clippers rank 26 (14.909090909090908).
- New Orleans ranks first in points in the paint per game (57.8) while Los Angeles ranks 25th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.8).
- The Pelicans rank third in assists per game (26.7) while the Clippers rank 23rd (22.3).
- New Orleans averages 5.8 blocks per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (6.2).
- Los Angeles ranks 18 in steals allowed per game (7.7727272727272725) while New Orleans ranks 25 (9.166666666666666).
- The Pelicans rank third in rebounds per game (48.6) while the Clippers rank 25th in rebounds allowed per game (46.8).
- The Pelicans rank 14 in fast break points per game (13.208333333333334) while the Clippers rank 22 in fast break points allowed per game (14.636363636363637).
- New Orleans ranks 24 in three pointers attempted per game (28.625) while Los Angeles ranks 27 (25.227272727272727).
- New Orleans averages 17.3 second chance points per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (14.7).
- New Orleans is 2-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Los Angeles is 3-0.
- The Clippers are 15-6 when they reach the century mark, while the Pelicans are 12-11.
- Los Angeles is 6-5 ATS on the road, while New Orleans is 6-5 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 6 of the Pelicans’ 11 home games, while 7 of the Clippers’ 11 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Clippers are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Pelicans are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Los Angeles has 3 overs and 2 unders, while New Orleans has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Clippers\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 4.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 113.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.4 points per game (2.8 below their season average).