Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The battle for a direct playoff spot in the Western Conference is heating up, with five teams fighting for position. The Los Angeles Clippers are among them, riding a three-game winning streak as they head to New Orleans to take on a struggling Pelicans side.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have been unravelling in recent games, losing four straight and showing major offensive struggles. Injuries are piling up, with Kelly Olynyk joining Jose Alvarado and Brandon Boston Jr. on the sidelines. Olynyk had been averaging 10 points off the bench since his trade, and without him, the Pelicans' depth has taken a hit. In two of their last four losses, they failed to even reach 105 points.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are also facing offensive struggles in the absence of Norman Powell, their leading scorer off the bench. In 11 games without him, they have managed just 98.4 points per game. However, their elite defence has kept them in games—allowing just 108.7 points per contest, ranking fourth in the league. In their last two matchups, the Clippers shut down both the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings, holding them to just 95 and 97 points, respectively.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
Both teams are having serious issues scoring, and with the Clippers' suffocating defence, this game has all the makings of a low-scoring battle.
