by Chuck Sommers
Friday, Mar 31, 2023
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Where to watch: Clippervision, BSSE-NO
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Check back later for odds
BetMGM: Check back later for odds
Caesars: Check back later for odds
Season record
Clippers: 41-36
Pelicans: 39-38
The All-Star break is over in the NBA and it's time to get on the horse and finish up the final home stretch of the season. Big trades, uncertainty, and absolute hilarity across the board all gearing up for the final home stretch of this season. You know who is also gearing up for the home stretch? Our champion handicappers at bigal.com who are ready to win their way all the way to the playoffs. There's a lot going on that we can't wait for in these final 23-25 games and you're going to need every bit of hardcore analysis you can get from this group. Just in the last 30 days we've had some big winners. Doc's Sports has posted a 16-6-0 record in the last month (+$9,200). AAA Sports has killed it at 17-8-0, and then Al McMordie with a dominant 20-11-1 mark over the last 30 days. Everything you need to know and more about what's going on this league and sports in general will be a fun finish to the end. All you have to do is go to bigal.com and find our Best Bets page and put forth something that only you think is good. Here's a hint: Go to the bigal.com website and happy betting.
Clippers - Pelicans preview, prediction and analysis
On April 1, 2023, the Los Angeles Clippers will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, with the Clippers currently sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 48-24 and the Pelicans in tenth place with a record of 38-34. However, this upcoming matchup could have significant playoff implications for both teams.
The Los Angeles Clippers have been led by their star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who in a normal world would be playing at an MVP-level. Instead, George is hurt and Russell Westbrook has laughed at all of us and has become an amazing piece on this Clippers team. God help us if the Clippers win the title with Russ at point guard because that would be amazing.
In addition to their star duo, the Clippers have a few other players who have had solid seasons, including Marcus Morris Sr. . Morris Sr. has been a key contributor off the bench, averaging 13.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
The New Orleans Pelicans, on the other hand, have been led by their star forward, Zion Williamson, who is having another outstanding season with 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 62.3% from the field in an absolutely alternate universe. Imagine if the man was healthy. Which is what we will do right now. Williamson has been a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end and has shown why he was the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In addition to Williamson, the Pelicans have a few other players who have had solid seasons, including Brandon Ingram. The All-Star Ingram has been a key scorer for the Pelicans, averaging 23.2 points per game.
One key factor to watch out for in this game is the battle between Leonard and Ingram. While Leonard is a proven veteran and one of the best two-way players in the league, Williamson is a young star who has shown tremendous potential. Ingram will need to use his size and athleticism to create scoring opportunities, while Leonard will need to use his defensive prowess to limit Williamson's impact on the game.
Another factor to consider is the battle in the paint. Both teams have some solid big men who could play a key role in this game. For the Clippers, Ivica Zubac will need to be active on both ends of the court, providing rebounding and shot-blocking while also contributing on the offensive end. For the Pelicans, Jaxson Hayes will need to be physical and aggressive, fighting for rebounds and protecting the paint on defense.
In addition, the three-point shooting of both teams could be a factor in determining the outcome of this game. The Clippers are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league, averaging 38.4% from beyond the arc, while the Pelicans have struggled from three-point range, averaging just 34.2%. If the Clippers can knock down their outside shots and force the Pelicans to play catch-up, it could be a long night for New Orleans.
Prediction
Russ for president. Seriously, this run he's on right now has been absolutely incredible. Clippers 118, Pelicans 115
The Los Angeles Clippers have been led by their star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who in a normal world would be playing at an MVP-level. Instead, George is hurt and Russell Westbrook has laughed at all of us and has become an amazing piece on this Clippers team. God help us if the Clippers win the title with Russ at point guard because that would be amazing.
In addition to their star duo, the Clippers have a few other players who have had solid seasons, including Marcus Morris Sr. . Morris Sr. has been a key contributor off the bench, averaging 13.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
The New Orleans Pelicans, on the other hand, have been led by their star forward, Zion Williamson, who is having another outstanding season with 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 62.3% from the field in an absolutely alternate universe. Imagine if the man was healthy. Which is what we will do right now. Williamson has been a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end and has shown why he was the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In addition to Williamson, the Pelicans have a few other players who have had solid seasons, including Brandon Ingram. The All-Star Ingram has been a key scorer for the Pelicans, averaging 23.2 points per game.
One key factor to watch out for in this game is the battle between Leonard and Ingram. While Leonard is a proven veteran and one of the best two-way players in the league, Williamson is a young star who has shown tremendous potential. Ingram will need to use his size and athleticism to create scoring opportunities, while Leonard will need to use his defensive prowess to limit Williamson's impact on the game.
Another factor to consider is the battle in the paint. Both teams have some solid big men who could play a key role in this game. For the Clippers, Ivica Zubac will need to be active on both ends of the court, providing rebounding and shot-blocking while also contributing on the offensive end. For the Pelicans, Jaxson Hayes will need to be physical and aggressive, fighting for rebounds and protecting the paint on defense.
In addition, the three-point shooting of both teams could be a factor in determining the outcome of this game. The Clippers are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league, averaging 38.4% from beyond the arc, while the Pelicans have struggled from three-point range, averaging just 34.2%. If the Clippers can knock down their outside shots and force the Pelicans to play catch-up, it could be a long night for New Orleans.
Prediction
Russ for president. Seriously, this run he's on right now has been absolutely incredible. Clippers 118, Pelicans 115
Projected starting lineup
Clippers:
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Nicolas Batum
C: Ivica Zubac
Pelicans:
PG: CJ McCollum
SG: Trey Murphy
SF: Brandon Ingram
PF: Herbert Jones
C: Jonas Valanciunas
Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert basketball picks today. And if you enjoyed this preview, be sure to drop by every day for our daily NBA/college basketball projections and previews.
Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
