The Los Angeles Clippers will visit the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The game is set for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Fans can watch the game on Gulf.
The Clippers have a record of 34-34. In their recent games, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs by 4 points and the Sacramento Kings by 9 points. They did secure a win against the Chicago Bulls by 11 points.
The Pelicans hold a record of 23-46. They recently won against the Dallas Mavericks by 18 points and the Toronto Raptors by 11 points. However, they faced a close loss to the Houston Rockets by 2 points.
Pelicans Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans are in the Western Conference and part of the Southwest Division. James Borrego is the interim head coach. The team has a record of 23 wins and 46 losses in the 2026 regular season. At home, they have won 14 games and lost 21.
In their recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Pelicans won by 18 points with a score of 129-111. Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey, and Zion Williamson were key players in this game. Zion Williamson scored 27 points with an impressive field goal percentage of 84.6%. Trey Murphy III contributed with 17 points and 7 assists.
The Pelicans have an average of 115.6 points per game, ranking 14th in the league. They attempt 90.5 field goals per game, which is the 5th highest. Their field goal percentage is 46.5%, and they make 11.2 three-pointers per game. On defense, they allow 119.7 points per game, ranking 25th.
Key players like Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III have been active in most games. Zion averages 21.5 points per game, while Trey Murphy III averages 21.9 points. Saddiq Bey also contributes with 17.2 points per game. The team has struggled with consistency but shows potential in certain areas.
Clippers Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers hold a balanced record of 34 wins and 34 losses in the 2026 regular season. At home, they have won 19 games and lost 15. On the road, they have 15 wins and 19 losses. Their recent performance shows a losing streak of two games.
In the Western Conference, the Clippers rank 8th. Within the Pacific Division, they are in 3rd place. They are 19.5 games behind the leading team in their conference. This position reflects their need to improve to climb higher in the standings.
Offensively, the Clippers score an average of 113.5 points per game, placing them 23rd in the league. They have a strong field goal percentage of 48.3, ranking 4th. Their free throw percentage is the best in the league at 82.8.
Defensively, the Clippers allow 112.7 points per game, which ranks them 10th. They limit opponents to a field goal percentage of 46.8, placing them 11th. Their defense is solid, but they need to work on allowing fewer three-point shots, as opponents have a 36.6% success rate from beyond the arc.
Statistical Breakdown for Pelicans vs Clippers
The game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers will be shaped by several key stats. The Pelicans score more points per game than the Clippers, but they allow more points on defense. The Clippers have a better field goal percentage and free throw shooting. Rebounding could be a factor, as the Pelicans grab more rebounds per game. The Clippers’ defense is stronger in limiting points and field goal attempts. Both teams have areas to improve, making this game interesting.
- Pelicans Points Per Game: 115.6 (14th)
- Clippers Points Per Game: 113.5 (23rd)
- Pelicans Points Allowed Per Game: 119.7 (25th)
- Clippers Points Allowed Per Game: 112.7 (10th)
- Pelicans Field Goal Percentage: 46.5 (16th)
- Clippers Field Goal Percentage: 48.3 (4th)
- Pelicans Rebounds Per Game: 44.2 (12th)
- Clippers Rebounds Per Game: 40.7 (29th)
- Clippers Free Throw Percentage: 82.8 (1st)
- Pelicans Free Throw Percentage: 78.4 (14th)
Betting Insights
When considering betting on this game, it’s important to look at the trends. These insights can help you make informed decisions. Below are the top five trends to keep in mind.
- The away team has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.
- The home team has gone over the total in 3 of their last 4 games.
- The away team has gone under the total in 6 of their last 7 games.
- The home team has covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 home games.
- The away team has gone over the total in 2 of their last 3 away games.
Free Betting Prediction for Pelicans vs Clippers
The New Orleans Pelicans have shown strong offensive capabilities, especially with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III leading the charge. Their recent win against the Dallas Mavericks highlights their potential to score high. However, their defense has been a concern, allowing many points per game. This could be a challenge against the Clippers, who have a solid defense.
The Los Angeles Clippers, on the other hand, have a balanced record and a strong defense. They allow fewer points per game compared to the Pelicans. Their field goal percentage is also higher, which can be an advantage. However, their recent losing streak might affect their confidence going into this game.
Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the Pelicans might have a slight edge due to their offensive power. Yet, the Clippers’ defense could keep the game close. The Pelicans are favored, but the game could be tight. The final score might be close, with both teams having opportunities to win.
- Our Free Prediction: Pelicans -1.5
