NBA Regular Season 2023/24, Thursday, 08.02.2024
On Thursday night, the LA Clippers, who are in tremendous form, welcome the Pelicans from New Orleans, who are also not exactly in poor form. The best entertainment should therefore be guaranteed in downtown Los Angeles!
In my Clippers Pelicans betting tip, I’ll explain why I’m expecting the home side to win in the end
The “Klippers” (a type of fast cargo sailing ship built in the United States) have been the hottest team in the NBA since December 1st!
After losing their first five games following the acquisition of former MVP James Harden, the team from the Angels’ city has recovered and has a formidable 26-5 record since December!
They have also won all of their last four games.
The team under the aegis of coach Tyronn Lue can boast both an elite offensive rating (3rd with 120.3) and a decent defensive rating (13th with 114.0)
The resulting net rating of +6.3 is the third best in the Association.
The game tailored to the superstars Kawhi Leonard (24.4 points per game), Paul George (22.6), James Harden (17.3 and 8.6 assists) and bench motor Russell Westbrook (11.4) is reflected, among other things, in the fact that no other team looks for isolation plays more often.
In addition, no other team plays fewer passes than the Clippers.
However, these stats should not blind you to the fact that the Southern Californians run a variable offense.
It relies on the unselfishness of its superstars, who are often showcased off the ball.
German world champion Daniel Theis, meanwhile, has quickly established himself as a valuable backup center for the Sailors with 6.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and an outstanding three-point percentage of 42.1%. So the New Orleans Pelicans have a real Herculean task ahead of them
The waterfowl from Louisiana currently rank seventh in the West with a 29-21 record (Clippers ranked first at 34-15).
Although the Pelicans have only won five of their last ten games, they have won the last three in a row.
However, New Orleans has struggled against top teams, with recent defeats against Boston (-6), Milwaukee (-24), Oklahoma City (-24), Phoenix (-14), Denver (-12) and in the first clash with the Clippers (-16).
With an offensive rating of 117.3, the Pelicans only have a slightly above-average offense (12th), but their defense is elite with a defensive rating of 112.8 (8th).
Only two teams have more steals per game than the long-snouted and long-fingered Pelicans (8.2) and only Portland allows a lower opponent three-point percentage (34.3%).
The latter could be particularly relevant against the Clippers, as no other team hits its threes more accurately than the Angel Cities (39.5%, Pelicans rank 8th with 37.7%).
In addition, only two teams concede fewer steals (6.6) than New Orleans, while the Clippers force the fifth most turnovers (8.1).
Led by forwards Zion Williamson (22.3 points per game) and Brandon Ingram (21.8), as well as the prolific guard CJ McCollum (19.8 on 46.8% from the field and 43.7% from the three-point line), the Pelicans have a balanced team structure and a wide roster, with seven players scoring more than ten points per game.
So the host Clippers have been warned! Not least because the Pelicans have won nine of the last eleven head-to-head duels
However, as already mentioned, the first meeting this season went to the Southern Californians at the beginning of January with a 111:95 win.
In the upcoming game, I also expect a reasonably confident Clippers victory and therefore advise a handicap bet. My bet “Clippers with HC -6.5” is listed at Intertops with attractive odds of 1.75.
Bear in mind that the West leaders have won 30 of their 34 victories to date by at least seven points and that the Pelicans struggle against large-caliber opponents.
Due to the advantageous handicap bets on the Clippers, you have the chance to take a real stab at the online betting odds!
My Clippers Pelicans tip: Clippers win despite handicap -6.5!
