The New Orleans Pelicans continue to search for their first win of the 2025-2026 campaign as they visit the Los Angeles Clippers tonight in the NBA Cup.
James Harden balled against NOLA last season, and I’m expecting him to do so again in my Pelicans vs. Clippers predictions.
Read more in my NBA picks for Friday, October 31.
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Pelicans vs Clippers prediction
Pelicans vs Clippers best bet: James Harden Over 20.5 points (-120)
James Harden is off to a solid start to begin 2025-26, leading the Los Angeles Clippers with 21.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per contest while shooting 35% from downtown.
Although Harden has only cashed the Over in points once through four outings, it was a 30-point eruption, and he posted 20 points in two others.
As for tonight’s opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans are 0-4, and they’ve been a disaster. New Orleans ranks 29th in defensive rating, and The Beard played well versus them in 2024-25, averaging just over 24 PPG across three meetings.
Harden’s 30-point showing also came at home, and the Clippers will host the Pels this evening. I expect him to lead the charge here for Ty Lue’s squad.
Pelicans vs Clippers same-game parlay
Ivica Zubac is a force down low for Los Angeles, but his rebound numbers are a tad low so far. He’s averaging 8.8 boards per night compared to 12.6 last season.
Although it’s still quite early, I’m eyeing the Under tonight, given the trends.
The big man has only cashed the Over once this season in rebounds, finishing with no more than eight boards in those three contests where he’s stayed Under 10.5.
The Pelicans are struggling immensely. There is no other way to put it. But this spread is too much for my liking.
While they’ve been blown out by the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics most recently, it’s only a matter of time until New Orleans figures it out.
At the very least, they will start making some games close. Last season, they were 1-2 against the Clippers, and one of those losses was by only three points.
New Orleans also won two straight against Los Angeles at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. The Clippers have only covered this spread once this season.
Pelicans vs Clippers SGP
- James Harden Over 20.5 points
- Ivica Zubac Under 10.5 points
- New Orleans Pelicans +11.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Swimming in Triples!
Jordan Poole is second on the Pelicans in scoring, and he’s cashed the Over in triples in three of four appearances. He’s averaging exactly 2.5 makes on 7.8 attempts for a 32.3% clip.
Pelicans vs Clippers SGP
- James Harden Over 20.5 points
- Ivica Zubac Under 10.5 points
- New Orleans Pelicans +11.5
- Jordan Poole Over 2.5 made threes
Pelicans vs Clippers odds
- Spread: Pelicans +10.5 (-110) | Clippers -10.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Pelicans +375 | Clippers -500
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110) | Under 227.5 (-110)
Pelicans vs Clippers betting trend to know
The New Orleans Pelicans have hit the 1H Game Total Over in 50 of their last 81 games (+14.15 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Clippers.
How to watch Pelicans vs Clippers
| Location | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA |
| Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | GCSEN, FDSN Southern California |
Pelicans vs Clippers latest injuries
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