Los Angeles Clippers Vs New Orleans Pelicans Saturday 31st of January (Aus)
Records:
Los Angeles Clippers (32-14)
Last 10: 8-2
New Orleans Pelicans (24-22)
Last 10: 6-4
Preview:
The Clippers will be playing their second match of eight straight on the road and they will be out to prove a point that they are true title contenders despite their positive but disappointing start to the season where they are 12-7 away from home. The clippers are 4th in the Western conference but they could drop to as low as 7th in the competitive West if this road trip doesn’t go to plan.
Despite the disappointing losses against the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets the Pelicans have defeated strong teams lately (Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors) and it has placed them in a stronger position to push for the play-offs. The eighth spot in the Western Conference is up for grabs with three real contenders fighting for the last spot in the play-offs with the Phoenix Suns holding onto it at the moment. The Pelicans and Oklahoma City are both climbing closer and OKC were boosted with the return of reigning MVP Kevin Durant before his recent toe injury. However, for these three teams pushing any higher will be nearly impossible with defending champions the San Antonio Spurs locking up the 7th spot.
Due to the competitiveness of the Western Conference, both the Clippers and Pelicans have a lot to play for and will be putting in maximum effort knowing they will get a decent break over the All-star period. Winning or losing these matches before a break can determine whether the player’s holiday is enjoyable and it also contributes to the momentum when returning from the break.
Last met: December 6th, 2014
The Clippers easily defeated the Pelicans at home earlier in the season 120-100.
Match-up:
If the Pelicans are to contend for the play-offs they can’t afford to have back to back losses at any point and especially when they have home court advantage. The Clippers had an unconvincing away victory against the Utah Jazz and have now won 4 in a row, but the Pelicans are a tough opponent especially when they want to bounce back from a loss to the Nuggets at home.
Similar to their previous meeting, the match up to watch is Blake Griffin against Anthony Davis. Both players have been named as Western Conference All-Star starters and will relish the challenge facing each other. Griffin went for 30 points and Davis 26 in their last meeting and we can expect similar numbers on Sunday.
The game will be dominated by the play of Davis and Griffin but it will be won by the point guard and shooting guard match-up. Chris Paul, J.J Redick and Jamal Crawford are always tough to handle and with Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon not known for their defence, Davis will have to be at his rim protecting best to stop the driving of Paul and Crawford. The Pelicans will have to close out on the perimeter shooting of Redick otherwise the score line could look similar to their previous meeting. Redick was sidelined with back spasms against the Utah Jazz but participated in the team shoot around prior to the match starting; he is listed as day to day.
Austin Rivers also makes his first return to New Orleans to face his old team after being involved in the trade that linked him with his father, Clippers Coach Doc Rivers earlier this month.
Prediction:
It will be a close and high scoring match, the Clippers will be looking to make a statement whilst on their road trip and they will be too strong towards the end of the match. The Clippers have been lacking firepower off the bench but with Crawford beginning to find the form that won him the 6th man of the year last season, they will win this one.
Bet On: Clippers by 1-10 points
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