Clippers vs Pelicans Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: NOLA Bullies Visiting LAC

Two of the hottest teams in the Western Conference face off on Friday night as the Los Angeles Clippers visit the New Orleans Pelicans.

Both Los Angeles (21-12) and New Orleans (21-14) are riding four-game winning streaks heading into tonight’s matchup. The NBA odds have this game as a virtual tossup, with the Clippers currently being posted as the slightest of favorites on the road. 

Both teams are clicking, with James Harden finding his role and making big contributions in Los Angeles. We’ll discuss which side has the edge tonight in our free NBA picks and predictions for Clippers vs. Pelicans on January 5.

Clippers vs Pelicans odds

Clippers vs Pelicans predictions

Both teams in tonight’s game have dealt with question marks this season and overcome them with seeming ease. One of the biggest stories in the NBA this year was the Clippers’ acquisition of James Harden, a move that was met with widespread skepticism and some initial struggles in Los Angeles.

But that narrative has changed quickly. The Clippers have now won 13 of their last 15 games, with Harden averaging a team-high 8.1 assists per game to go along with scoring 17.7 points per night. He’s matched up as a great complement to Kawhi Leonard (24.6 ppg) and Paul George (23.2 ppg), and so far, one ball has been enough to keep all of Los Angeles’ stars happy. 

Yet it’s arguable whether the Clippers should even be a road favorite tonight, as the Pelicans are also red-hot. New Orleans has won nine of 12, and is coming off a 117-106 road win over the conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

The big question for New Orleans this year has been the health and conditioning of Zion Williamson. While many comments were made about Williamson’s weight this year — and he has been open about his struggles in that regard — he’s still playing at a star level, averaging 22.1 points and six rebounds per night. 

One thing that has helped Williamson is the depth of the Pelicans roster. No one player has to carry the load, as seven players are scoring in double figures, from Brandon Ingram (22.8 ppg) to CJ McCollum (19.9 ppg), Trey Murphy III (14.8 ppg), and Jonas Valanciunas (14.0 ppg), among others. That has allowed everyone to share the load, limiting minutes and keeping the entirety of this roster sharp and reasonably healthy. 

The Pelicans have also been outstanding on defense. Over its last seven games, New Orleans is allowing just 104.4 points per game, and held the Clippers to 106 points in their first meeting this year back in November.  

It is possible that the Clippers will figure out the New Orleans’ defensive schemes, the way they are progressively doing against more and more opponents. But this is only the second time these two teams have played, and the first time in well over a month.

Between that history and the fact that Los Angeles — for all of its recent success — has struggled to slow down some of its more talented opponents on the defensive end, I think the Pelicans may be overlooked by many bettors in this one. This should be an excellent game, but it’s one that New Orleans should find a way to win at home, and that’s where I’m putting my money.

My best bet: Pelicans moneyline (-104 at FanDuel)

Clippers vs Pelicans same-game parlay

Pelicans moneyline

Under 230.5

Jonas Valanciunas Over 11.5 points

25% boost available

+499 +623 at FanDuel

I like the Pelicans to win this game at home, and I think they’ll do so with a strong defensive effort. That’s why I’m also throwing in the Under at 230.5 points to start a same-game parlay tonight. The Pelicans have played Under this total in five of their last seven, while the Clippers have done so in three of their last four. 

I’ll also throw in a bet on Valanciunas to hit the Over on his scoring prop of 11.5 points. While he’s fallen short in their last two games, Valanciunas has scored at least 12 points for the Pelicans in eight of his last 12. He also scored 12 in the first matchup against the Clippers, so he’s an excellent choice to hit an Over and round out our parlay.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Clippers vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis

The Pelicans opened tonight’s game as 1-point favorites. That line has flipped, and Clippers -1 is now the consensus spread. However, there are books with lines ranging from Los Angeles -1.5 to pick’em, so it’s worth shopping around to get the most value on your chosen side.

The Pelicans have been excellent against the spread this year, going 20-14-1 ATS on the season. The Clippers have been playing closer to the spread, putting up a 17-16 ATS mark.

I’ve made the Pelicans my moneyline pick for tonight’s game, and I like them on the spread as well if that’s your preferred way to bet. At home, New Orleans should have enough answers to limit the efficiency of the Clippers offense while being able to spread the floor and find ways to score on their own. I’m leaning towards the Pelicans no matter how you choose to bet on them.

The total for tonight’s game opened at 229.5 points. The consensus Over/Under has gone up a point to 230.5, with -110 action available on both sides of the market.

Both teams have played below the total this year, though to differing extents. The Under has put up a 19-14 record when the Clippers play, and also holds an 18-17 edge in New Orleans’ games.

While these teams can both score, they’ve been trending to more controlled, lower-scoring affairs as of late. Both teams have played below 230-point totals in three of their last four games, with New Orleans, in particular, going well below that number on several occasions. I’m leaning towards the Under tonight.

Clippers vs Pelicans betting trend to know

The Pelicans are 5-0 overall in their last five games against the Clippers. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Pelicans.

Clippers vs Pelicans game info

Clippers vs Pelicans latest injuries

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