The Los Angeles Clippers (2-1), 6-point underdogs, will travel to Smoothie King Center to go head-to-head against the New Orleans Pelicans (2-0). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 235 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – New Orleans at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans ATS Odds
Both teams covered as favorites in their last game. The Pelicans (11.5-point favorites) defeated the Sacramento Kings 149-129, while the Clippers (2.5-point favorites) beat the Houston Rockets 115-112. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The New Orleans game finished 45.5 points over the projected point total of 232.5, while the Los Angeles game went 6.5 points over the projected point total of 220.5.
The Clippers had a much better free throw rate (0.292 vs. 0.124) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.3 vs. 14.0). The Pelicans, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 18.4) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.674 vs. 0.573). New Orleans received a boost from Nikola Mirotic, who recorded 36 points and nine rebounds. Montrezl Harrell, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Los Angeles with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The prolific offense of New Orleans will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Los Angeles. Since the 2017-18 season, the Pelicans rank eighth in offensive efficiency, while the Clippers are 18th in defensive efficiency. The Pelicans figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. ,
The Clippers are 44-41 straight up (SU) and 44-47-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Los Angeles games since last season with 47 overs compared to 43 unders.
On the other hand, the Pelicans, are 50-34 SU and 40-42-2 ATS since last season. Just over half of New Orleans’ games have finished under the O/U total over that same period.
The Pelicans took this series last year, winning three out of four games. In the most recent game, New Orleans won 113-100. The Pelicans’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Clippers. New Orleans had a rate of 6.3, while Los Angeles posted a mark of 13.1.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Clippers rank 18th in three pointers allowed per game (30.2) while the Pelicans rank 27th (30.8).
- New Orleans ranks third in fast break points per game (15.7) while Los Angeles ranks last in fast break points allowed per game (15.3).
- The Clippers average 52.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks third in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.7).
- New Orleans ranks second in assists per game (27.0) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
- Los Angeles averages 44.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 12th in the league. New Orleans ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (45.5).
- The Clippers rank fourth in second chance points per game (13.9) while the Pelicans rank last in second chance points allowed per game (13.6).
- The Pelicans rank eighth in steals per game (8.0) while the Clippers rank 25th in steals allowed per game (8.4).
- New Orleans averages 16.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 17th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4).
- New Orleans ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (5.6).
- New Orleans is 13-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Los Angeles is 14-2.
- When scoring over 100 points, the Pelicans are 51-25 and the Clippers are 42-27.
