The LA Clippers are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on March 15 (Friday) at the Smoothie King Center. This will be the fourth and final matchup between the two teams this season, with the Pelicans currently leading the season series 2-1. The Clippers are in 4th place in the Western Conference with a 42-33 record. While the Pelicans are just below them in 5th place in the West with a 39-26 record. LA will be playing the second contest of back-to-back games, having faced the Chicago Bulls on Thursday and winning by 126-111. On the other hand, the Pelicans will look to bounce back from their 116-95 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Preview
Before their most recent win against the Bulls, the LA Clippers faced two consecutive defeats against tough opponents. Their losses came against the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively.
James Harden was out in the game against the Bulls, while Russell Westbrook will remain available due to injury. Despite the injury concerns, the Clippers have the presence of their leading scorer, Kawhi Leonard, who has been averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
The Pelicans will aim to climb up the standings in the upcoming contest. With the Clippers holding a 2.5 game lead over them in the standings, the Pelicans are also under pressure as they are just one game ahead of the Suns, who are seventh in the Western Conference. After a four-game winning streak, they suffered a defeat to the Cavaliers in their most recent contest.
Starting lineup
James Harden is questionable for the upcoming game. If he misses the game, Bones Hyland will start the game for the Clippers with Terance Mann, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac.
The Pelicans will most likely start with CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas.
Also Read: Atlanta Hawks vs Utah Jazz: Prediction (March 15, 2024)
Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans are heavily favored to win the upcoming game against the Clippers with a -6 point spread. However, the Clippers are expected to cross the mark set at 215.5.
