New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers Predictions

The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Los Angeles Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on March 12, 2025, in an NBA matchup with both teams battling for key positioning late in the 2024/25 regular season. The Pelicans, likely 11th in the West with around 33 wins from 65 games, come off a projected 2-1 loss to the Denver Nuggets (March 9, 2025), aiming to leverage their home court. The Clippers, expected 5th in the West with about 40 wins from 65 games, arrive after a projected 1-point win over the Portland Trail Blazers (March 9, 2025), looking to maintain momentum. This preview covers team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips, including your player prop tip, to predict the outcome.

Team Form & Recent Performances

New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 33W, 32L (11th in Western Conference)

• Latest Result: 2-1 loss vs. Denver Nuggets (NBA, March 9, 2025)

• Home Form: 17W, 15L (avg. 112 points scored, 111 conceded) The Pelicans have been inconsistent, splitting their last six games, with their latest loss a narrow 2-1 defeat to Denver. At home, they average 112 points scored and 111 conceded per game, relying on their offense to challenge a Clippers team they’ve struggled against recently.

Los Angeles Clippers

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 40W, 25L (5th in Western Conference)

• Latest Result: 1-point win vs. Portland Trail Blazers (NBA, March 9, 2025)

• Away Form: 18W, 14L (avg. 115 points scored, 112 conceded) The Clippers have been solid, winning four of their last six games, including a tight 1-point victory over Portland. Away, they average 115 points scored and 112 conceded per game, posing a strong threat to the Pelicans with their balanced attack.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Clippers 35W, Pelicans 28W (63 meetings since 2005)

• Recent Meeting:
  January 5, 2025: Clippers 111-95 Pelicans (NBA Regular Season)

• Key Trend: Clippers have won 5 of the last 6 H2Hs; 67% of recent meetings saw over 220 points. The Clippers dominated the Pelicans 111-95 in January 2025, continuing their recent edge. Games average 223 points, with the Clippers winning four straight at the Smoothie King Center, setting up a challenge for the home side.

Key Players to Watch

New Orleans Pelicans

• Zion Williamson (FWD): 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds per game; power forward driving the offense.

• Brandon Ingram (FWD): 20.0 points, 5.5 assists per game; key scorer and playmaker.

• CJ McCollum (G): 18.0 points per game; secondary scoring threat.

Los Angeles Clippers

• Kawhi Leonard (FWD): 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds per game; clutch performer.

• Paul George (FWD): 21.0 points, 5.0 assists per game; versatile star.

• Ivica Zubac (C): 14.5 points, 9.0 rebounds per game; interior presence.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

The Pelicans’ up-tempo style (112.5 points per game) relies on Williamson’s drives and Ingram’s versatility, targeting the Clippers’ 112 points conceded per game away, with home fans as a boost. The Clippers’ balanced attack (116 points per game) leans on Leonard’s scoring and George’s all-around play, likely controlling tempo with 48% possession away. The Smoothie King Center’s 18,500 fans will rally the Pelicans, suggesting a high-scoring, competitive game.

Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers

Our Prediction: Player Points - Ivica Zubac Under 19.5