New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) vs. LA Clippers (6-7)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers 11/24/23 – The New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) face the LA Clippers (6-7) on Friday night in a crucial Western Conference matchup. Both teams come into this contest hovering around .500 looking to gain ground in the standings. According to top multi-handicapper picks, this game will come down to which squad can dictate the pace and impose their style of play. The Pelicans boast one of the league’s best offenses, while the Clippers hang their hat on gritty defense. With contrasting strengths, expect fireworks in this exciting showdown between New Orleans and Los Angeles.
The Pelicans have been playing at an extremely high level recently, winning 4 of their last 5 contests. Powered by Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, New Orleans boasts a potent offense scoring 113.5 points per game on solid 47.4% shooting. They take good care of the ball too, committing only 13.3 turnovers per contest. While their defense ranks middle of the pack statistically, the Pelicans’ athleticism and length could pose issues for the Clippers.
The Clippers have struggled to find consistency this year evident by their .500 record. Though they can score with most teams putting up 113.2 points per game, LA has had trouble stringing together wins. A lot of pressure falls on Paul George, who is having an MVP caliber season averaging nearly 25 points per contest. If the Clippers want to get things on track, they must improve their three point shooting and cut down on turnovers. Strong defense will also be key against the high-powered Pelicans offense.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers Game Info
| When: | Friday, November 24, 2023 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Brandon Ingram (SF) vs. Paul George (SF)
Brandon Ingram anchors the Pelicans offense with his versatile scoring ability. In 12 games played Ingram is averaging 24 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 47% from the field. His size on the wing along with underrated playmaking makes him a tough cover. Though turnovers have been an issue, Ingram seems to have taken his game to another level this season. For New Orleans to win on the road, Brandon Ingram must impose his will offensively.
On the other side, Paul George has carried the Clippers in Kawhi Leonard’s absence. George is averaging a robust 24.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game this year. An elite two way wing, George can score from all three levels while locking down the opposing team’s best player. His ability to create offense for himself and others is invaluable for this Clippers squad. However, George has struggled with efficiency this year, so he will need have an efficient night scoring the basketball.
With both small forwards capable of erupting offensively on any given night, the George vs Ingram matchup will be pivotal. Whichever player is able to outduel the other could tip the scales for their team. Both forwards are also solid defenders too, so their individual matchup could be a game within itself. If George and Ingram cancel each other out, the game will come down to role players making shots.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: New Orleans Pelicans +190, Total Odds: 224
Despite a strong start to the year, the Pelicans come into LA as 5.5 point underdogs. Given New Orleans’ recent success against the Clippers, this number seems a bit high at first glance. The total is set at 224 points in what projects to be a high scoring contest featuring two of the league’s better offenses. With the Pelicans receiving nearly 6 points, backing the underdogs feels like the savvy play here according to the oddsmakers.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
facing the Clippers. New Orleans has covered in each of their last 5 contests demonstrating their ability to consistently beat oddsmakers’ numbers. When playing LA, the Pelicans are an astounding 10-1 ATS in their previous 11 meetings. The under also holds some value given New Orleans’ tendency to play lower scoring games on the road. In 20 of their last 22 away contests, the Pelicans’ games have gone under the total. There is also strong data supporting New Orleans with the points, as they are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games against the Clippers.
LA Clippers Betting Trends
Conversely, the recent trends side with New Orleans when analyzing the Clippers. Los Angeles has struggled mightily against the spread during their mediocre stretch over the last few weeks. The Clippers have failed to cover the number in 7 of their previous 9 outings. The under looks promising as well, going under the total in 5 of LA’s last 5 matchups. Considering New Orleans’ stellar historical record against the betting trends over LA, siding with the Pelicans is the savvy play. The Clippers have also struggled at home versus the Pelicans, posting a 1-5 ATS record in their last 6 home contests against New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers 11/24/23 Betting Picks
After analyzing all the metrics and trends, the New Orleans Pelicans present the most betting value in this matchup. Catching almost 6 points against a struggling Clippers team is too good to pass up given New Orleans’ domination of this series lately. Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans should be able to keep this game close and tight throughout.
Look for New Orleans to stifle LA’s inconsistent offense just enough to cover the spread Friday night. Some profitable bets to consider are the Pelicans +5.5 points, Under 224 total points, and Brandon Ingram over 23.5 points. According to daily NBA selections, picking the underdog Pelicans against the number should pay dividends tonight.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans 113, LA Clippers 110