NBA 2024-2025: New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
New Orleans Pelicans
Home Team
34.7%
110.2 pts
VS
Los Angeles Clippers
Away Team
65.3%
114.9 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The Los Angeles Clippers are predicted to win their upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans, with a probability of 65.3%. The expected score is 114.9 for the Clippers and 110.2 for the Pelicans. The Pelicans' starting lineup features CJ McCollum, Jordan Hawkins, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Yves Missi. Meanwhile, the Clippers are expected to start with James Harden, Kris Dunn, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, and Ivica Zubac.
Game Analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans are currently on a rough patch, having lost their last three games against the Memphis Grizzlies and twice to the Houston Rockets. Notably, their recent performance against the Rockets saw them conceding a high 146 points while only scoring 117. This indicates a struggling defense, especially as CJ McCollum and Jordan Hawkins both have defensive ratings over 120. Zion Williamson remains the Pelicans' offensive powerhouse with an average of 24.46 points per game, but the team needs more defensive consistency to turn games in their favor.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Clippers are riding a wave of success, winning their last three matchups against the Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, and Detroit Pistons. Their victories have been characterized by a balanced offensive and defensive effort, with James Harden leading the scoring at 22.24 points per game and Ivica Zubac boasting an impressive offensive rating of 124.9. The Clippers' defense has also been solid, with key players like Kris Dunn and Ivica Zubac maintaining defensive ratings around 107. This well-rounded performance on both ends of the court gives the Clippers a significant advantage.
Final Prediction
The Los Angeles Clippers have the upper hand in this matchup due to their recent strong performances and balanced team dynamics. The Clippers' ability to perform consistently on both offense and defense should prove decisive against a Pelicans team struggling to find its footing. A key factor to watch will be how the Pelicans' defense handles the Clippers' versatile offensive threats.