The New Orleans Pelicans (2-8) take on the Los Angeles Clippers (7-4) at the Smoothie King Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 14, 2019, and will air on FSN Prime Ticket.
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction
The last time the Clippers played, they were topped by the Houston Rockets, 102-93, but they did cover as 9.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (195) finished well under the O/U total of 220.5. Houston was effective at getting and making free throws. The Rockets made 22 of their 27 free throws (81.5 percent), while the Clippers were just 7-14 (50.0 percent). Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles in scoring with 26 points on 10-for-24 shooting.
The Pelicans lost to the Houston Rockets in their last outing, 122-116. They were unable to cover as 5.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (238) were under the projected point total of 246.5. Getting to the free throw line was one of Houston’s biggest strengths. They had 32 free throw attempts, while New Orleans had 27. With 18 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, New Orleans’ Jrue Holiday put together a solid game.
After the Pelicans won two out of three games against the Clippers last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, New Orleans won 121-117. The Pelicans had a much better turnover percentage (4.9 vs. 14.2) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.3 vs. 19.0).
Los Angeles holds records of 7-4 straight up (SU) and 6-3-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total high when the Clippers are playing, as 70.0 percent of their contests have ended under the total.
Meanwhile, New Orleans owns records of 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS. Contrary to Los Angeles, Pelicans games tend to finish over the total (60.0 percent).
Contrasting paces will be on display in this battle. New Orleans prefers a fast-breaking style of play (third in possessions per game), while Los Angeles is methodical (17th in possessions per game). Moreover, the Clippers rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (24.8 percent), while the Pelicans rank 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.8 percent).
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans Pick
Prediction:Â ATS Winner – New Orleans
Betting Trends
On the road, Los Angeles is 1-2 ATS with 2 overs and 1 under.
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS at home with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Los Angeles is 4-0 when they allow less than 100 points.
When reaching the century mark, the Clippers are 6-2 and the Pelicans are 2-8.
Los Angeles ranks first in second chance points per game (15.7). New Orleans ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (15.9).
The Clippers rank second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.8) while the Pelicans rank 27th (54.2).
Los Angeles ranks seventh in points off turnovers per game (19.1) while New Orleans ranks last in points off turnovers allowed per game (23.1).
The Clippers rank third in assists allowed per game (20.9) while the Pelicans rank 26th (25.6).
New Orleans averages 39.9 three pointers per game, which ranks third in the league. Los Angeles ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (35.7).
The Clippers rank second in rebounds per game (48.7) while the Pelicans rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (47.8).
New Orleans ranks fifth in steals per game (9.0) while Los Angeles ranks 23rd (6.8).
The Clippers average 15.1 fast break points per game, which ranks 10th in the league. The Pelicans rank 28th in fast break points allowed per game (20.0).
New Orleans ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while Los Angeles ranks 14th (5.3).
Bettings Trends:
In its last five outings, Los Angeles is 4-0-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Clippers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 3.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 112.8 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 120.8 points per game (1.6 below their season average).