LA Clippers (35-29) at New Orleans (17-48)
- When: Mar 11 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- TV: FDSSC
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Spread: Clippers -7.0 | Total: 222.5
Los Angeles Clippers Outlook
The Clippers head into this matchup looking to solidify their playoff standing after bouncing back from a rough post-All-Star break stretch. Following six losses in seven games, Los Angeles has strung together three straight home wins, most recently a dramatic 111-110 overtime victory over Sacramento. Now sitting eighth in the Western Conference, the Clippers are comfortably positioned for the play-in tournament while still eyeing a direct playoff berth.
Sunday’s win showcased the resilience of this Clippers squad. They trailed by seven with two minutes left in regulation before rallying, tying the game on a James Harden floater with 11.9 seconds remaining. In overtime, Kawhi Leonard sealed the win at the buzzer with a tough left-handed finish.
“We needed this win,” center Ivica Zubac said. “Games like this help us build momentum down the stretch.”
Player Props to Watch – Clippers
✅ James Harden Over 9.5 Assists – Harden has taken over playmaking duties and nearly posted a triple-double vs. Sacramento (29 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds). With 50 points against Detroit to start the homestand, he’s locked in.
✅ Kawhi Leonard Over 23.5 Points – Leonard remains the go-to clutch scorer and has been instrumental in the Clippers’ turnaround.
Injury Watch:
Head coach Tyronn Lue was a last-minute scratch Sunday due to back pain, leaving assistant Brian Shaw in charge. His status for Tuesday’s game remains uncertain.
New Orleans Pelicans Outlook
The Pelicans have dropped back-to-back games, but they showed impressive fight in Sunday’s 107-104 loss to Memphis—a game in which Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum rested. The Pelicans, despite being short-handed, nearly forced overtime, with Jose Alvarado and Kelly Olynyk missing game-tying threes at the buzzer.
Even without their top two scorers, the Pelicans’ bench stepped up, with seven players reaching double figures, including:
Trey Murphy III (27 points) leading the way
Rookie Karlo Matkovic posting a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds)
Antonio Reeves (11 points) and Jordan Hawkins (12 points) making key contributions
Coach Willie Green was encouraged by the team’s effort:
“I loved our resiliency after a tough loss. The young guys continue to get better.”
The Pelicans have struggled against the Clippers, going just 2-7 straight-up in their last nine meetings. However, New Orleans is 8-1 ATS in that span, showing they tend to keep these matchups competitive.
Player Props to Watch – Pelicans
✅ Trey Murphy III Over 20.5 Points – With Zion and McCollum resting last game, Murphy stepped up big, and he could continue to get more looks.
✅ Jonas Valanciunas Over 9.5 Rebounds – The Clippers struggle on the boards, and Valanciunas’ physicality inside should be an edge for New Orleans.
Betting Prediction
Best Bet: Pelicans +7.0 – The Clippers are inconsistent covering spreads, and New Orleans has been strong ATS in this matchup. Even if LA wins, the Pelicans should keep it close.
Lean on the Over (222.5) – Both teams have shown offensive explosiveness, and the total looks slightly low considering the Clippers’ recent scoring surges.
Expect a competitive battle, with the Clippers edging out a win but the Pelicans covering the number.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
