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Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free Preview 10/23/18

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans (2-0) challenge the Los Angeles Clippers (2-1) at Smoothie King Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans.

New Orleans is a 6-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 235 points.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction

In the Clippers’ last matchup, they covered the 2.5-point spread against the Houston Rockets, 115-112. The combined points for the game (227) finished over the projected point total of 220.5. Los Angeles was successful at getting and making free throws. The Clippers made 26 of their 26 free throws (100.0 percent), while the Rockets were 11-15 (73.3 percent). Los Angeles was lifted by Montrezl Harrell, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The Pelicans easily got past the Sacramento Kings in their last matchup, 149-129, easily covering as 11.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (278) came in well over the O/U total of 232.5. The Pelicans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 18.4) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.674 vs. 0.573). Nikola Mirotic was the top scorer from either team with 36 points on 14-for-21 shooting.

The prolific offense of New Orleans will face off against the mid-tier defense of Los Angeles. Since last season, the Pelicans rank eighth in offensive efficiency, while the Clippers are 18th in defensive efficiency. The Pelicans figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.

The Clippers have had records of 44-41 straight up (SU) and 44-47-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Los Angeles games since last season with 47 overs compared to 43 unders.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, are 50-34 SU and 40-42-2 ATS since last season. Just over half of New Orleans’ games have finished under the projected point total over that same stretch.

The Pelicans won three out of four games against the Clippers last season. In the last game, New Orleans won 113-100. The Pelicans had a much better turnover percentage (6.3 vs. 13.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.147 vs. 0.082).

Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Under

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Notes

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, New Orleans is 13-2 and Los Angeles is 14-2.

The Pelicans are 51-25 when they reach 100 points, while the Clippers are 42-27.

New Orleans averages 15.7 fast break points per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks last in fast break points allowed per game (15.3).

The Clippers rank fourth in second chance points per game (13.9) while the Pelicans rank last in second chance points allowed per game (13.6).

New Orleans ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (5.6).

The Clippers average 52.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks third in the league. The Pelicans rank 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.7).

New Orleans ranks second in assists per game (27.0) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (24.5).

The Pelicans average 8.0 steals per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Clippers rank 25th in steals allowed per game (8.4).

Los Angeles averages 44.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (45.5).

The Clippers rank 18th in three pointers allowed per game (30.2) while the Pelicans rank 27th (30.8).

New Orleans ranks 17th in points off turnovers per game (16.4) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4).

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Written by GMS Previews

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