New Orleans Pelicans (28-21) vs. LA Clippers (32-15)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers 2/7/24 – On Wednesday, New Orleans Pelicans and LA Clippers are scheduled to meet up in an exciting midseason matchup of NBA. Both teams currently possess impressive 28-21 records while LA leads with 32-15 standing and this matchup could prove pivotal in securing playoff positions for either side. Both fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipate this battle – making it ideal for free NBA parlay picks as fans anticipate its high stakes drama within Los Angeles itself.
The Pelicans come into this matchup with a 28-21 record, powered by a top-ten offense averaging 116.4 points per game. Led by Zion Williamson’s 22.3 points, New Orleans is shooting 48.7% from the field and 37.7% from three. While inconsistent lately at 2-3 over their previous five, the Pels have performed admirably on the road, covering the spread in 13 of 24 away matchups. If supporting players find their stroke from deep, the Pelicans have enough weapons to keep pace.
Conversely, the LA Clippers have been on an impressive roll recently, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five games and covering the spread in three. At 12-12 against the spread in road games against them too, this shows their strength both home and away – though like Pelicans they only saw total go OVER once out of five, suggesting more strategic, defensive-focused gameplay.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers 2/7/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Zion Williamson (PF) vs. Kawhi Leonard (SF)
In his third NBA season, Zion Williamson has played 39 games with 39 starts, averaging 30.4 minutes a night. He’s scoring at a prolific rate of 22.3 points per game on efficient 60.7% shooting. Williamson is crashing the glass to the tune of 5.5 rebounds while also creating for others with 4.6 assists. His rare blend of size, explosiveness and skill allows him to overpower opponents on drives and score through contact.
Kawhi Leonard has suited up in 43 of 47 games for LA, drawing 43 starts and seeing 34.3 minutes of run. The two-way superstar is averaging 24.1 points on 50/37/87 shooting splits to spearhead LA’s attack. Leonard also chips in 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals per contest. His large frame, methodical approach and lockdown defensive skills make him a nightmare matchup. Against New Orleans’ smaller wings, Leonard can exploit his strength inside while remaining disruptive on the other end.
This showdown features two of the NBA’s top talents in Williamson and Leonard battling for playoff position. While both thrive as isolation scorers and shoot a high percentage inside, Zion has displayed better playmaking skills this season by creating shots for teammates. On the flip side, Leonard remains deadly from the perimeter at 37% from three while providing more value defensively. With stellar scorers going head-to-head on Wednesday night, the outcome will likely hinge on supporting casts and which co-stars can step up.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are still to be determined, but given the Clippers’ recent form and home advantage, they might be slight favorites. However, the Pelicans have shown they can compete on the road, making the spread betting particularly intriguing for this matchup.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
The Pelicans have posted a middling record ATS at 19-29 this season. However, New Orleans has shown more fight on the road, going 13-11 against the number away from home. They’ve also started trending upwards lately, covering the spread in 8 of their last 12 matchups. The totals have gone OVER in just 1 of the Pels’ previous 5 contests, but have exceeded the total in 11 of 24 games in New Orleans.
LA Clippers Betting Trends
The Clippers have been strong from a betting perspective with a 30-22 mark ATS overall, cashing at a 58% clip. However, LA has struggled to cover at home, going just 12-12 against the spread at Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers have seen the UNDER hit in 4 of their last 5 outings. And on the season, totals have gone OVER in only 10 of Los Angeles’ 23 home matchups.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers 2/7/24 Betting Picks
As both teams currently feature strong lineups and key player matchups, this matchup should be closely contested. However, recent performance and home court advantage give the Clippers an edge in this contest; betting trends suggest a conservative strategy and may favor an UNDER for total points given both teams’ recent scoring patterns.
For those looking for the best daily premium picks, focusing on the Clippers to cover the spread, if it remains reasonable, could be wise. Prop bets on key player performances, especially Leonard’s points and defensive stats, might offer value.
Free Pick and Prediction: LA Clippers 112, New Orleans Pelicans 107.