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The New Orleans Pelicans came into the 2018-2019 season looking to build off of their playoff appearance last year but so far have stumbled to a 20-23 record and currently sit three games out of a playoff berth in the Western Conference.
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The Los Angeles Clippers are 24-18 and are holding onto the #6 seed just over halfway through the season. Time is running out for the Pelicans to move back into the playoff picture and a road win against the Clippers would go a long way towards the postseason for them.
Pelicans Playing Better
New Orleans had a nice three game winning streak snapped against the Minnesota Timberwolves last time out. Offense has not been an issue all season for the Pelicans who currently lead the league in points scored, are second in field goal percentage, and fourth in assists. The trouble for the Pelicans has been holding down the opposing offenses. New Orleans has held opponents under the century mark only a few times this season, so if they have a down night shooting the ball, they face some serious trouble. The Pelicans have four guys averaging over 17.0 points per game, led by perennial MVP candidate Anthony Davis’s 29 points and 13 rebounds per game. From here on out each game for the Pelicans is a litmus test to see what kind of defensive effort they can bring for the rest of the season. If this team is serious about competing when it matters, they must buckle down on the defensive end and not just try to fill the stat sheet.
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Clippers Struggles Continue
The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off back to back defeats, the most recent being an emotional home loss to the Blake Griffin led Detroit Pistons. Prior to the recent skid, the Clippers ran off three in a row to catapult up the standings and make a run at a first round home match up in the playoffs. Each game is increasingly important for the Clippers as the season nears the home stretch as only two games separate them from that home match up but two games also only separate them from missing the playoffs entirely. Los Angeles does not bring the star power that the Pelicans provide, but rely on a top-5 offense as well to get their wins. The biggest difference is that Doc Rivers has these guys playing a semblance of defense. When you look at the Clippers roster, you wonder how they remain a top team in the West, but it is a group of guys who will grind one out when they overmatched in talent.
Pick and Prediction
Due to their more rounded game, the Clippers are not a team real prone to long losing streaks. Currently on a two game slide, look for them to sense a bit of urgency at home and stop the bleeding. While the Pelicans will take the ESPN highlights, the Clippers will be steady all night and take a seven point victory.
