New Orleans Pelicans vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions March 11th 2025

New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers March 11th 2025

At 8:00 ET, the 8th ranked Clippers (-256) will take on the Pelicans (+212), who are currently 14th in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is favored by 6.5 points and the over/under line is set at 224.5.

This Western Conference matchup will be played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Clippers come into this game on a three-game win streak, while the Pelicans have lost four straight. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 ET and the game can be seen on Gulf TV.

Clippers vs. Pelicans Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Pelicans
• Where: New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
• Date: Tuesday, March 11th
• Betting Odds LAC -6.5, LAC -256 | NO +212 O/U 224.5

The Clippers Can Win If…

The Clippers improved to 35-29 this season with a narrow 111-110 win over the Kings on Sunday. Despite being favored by 6.5 points, L.A. didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 221.5 exceeded the 216.5 O/U line.

The Kings went on a 10-0 run, stretching their lead from 63-55 to 73-55. The Clippers responded by outscoring Sacramento 25-22 in the 4th quarter to complete the comeback.

James Harden’s 29 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds led the Clippers to a 111-110 win over the Kings, shooting 52.6% from the field and hitting 3 threes at 27.3%. Ivica Zubac added 22 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 64.3%, while Derrick Jones Jr. contributed 17 points, hitting 77.8% from the field and 2 threes at 66.7%.

The Clippers shot 53.1% overall, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 10 threes at 32.3%. Harden scored 6 points in overtime, while Jones also added 5 points in the extra period.

The Clippers put together a solid defensive performance, holding the Kings to 110 points while limiting them to just 22 points in the 4th quarter. They gave up 23 points in the 1st and 26 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Sacramento shot 46% from the field in the game.

Los Angeles did an excellent job defending the three, allowing the Kings to make just 9 threes on 26% shooting. The Clippers also gave up 25 free throws, with Sacramento hitting 21. On the boards, the Clippers grabbed 35 defensive rebounds while allowing 8 offensive boards. They also recorded 4 steals and 5 blocks.

• Through their last three road contests, the Clippers offense has averaged 107 points per game while allowing an average of 111. Los Angeles posted an overall record of 0-3 while going 0-3 ATS.
• Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Clippers have an overall record of 3-2 while going 1-4 against the spread.
• Over their last five games, the Clippers have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Pelicans Can Win If…

The Pelicans fell to 17-48 on the season after a narrow 107-104 loss to the Grizzlies on Sunday. New Orleans was a +10 point underdog but managed to cover the spread at home. The game’s total points of 211 were well below the O/U line of 239.

New Orleans led 64-57 at halftime but struggled in the 3rd quarter, being outscored 32-15. They rallied with a 10-0 run in the 4th, taking the lead from 91-87 to 97-91, but ultimately couldn’t hold on.

Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 27 points in their 107-104 loss to the Grizzlies, scoring 12 of those in the 3rd quarter. Karlo Matković added 13 points and 11 rebounds, with 6 points coming in both the 2nd and 4th quarters. Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Hawkins each contributed 12 points, with Hawkins scoring 7 in the 1st quarter.

New Orleans hit 13 threes at a 38.2% clip, while shooting 41.2% overall from the field. Antonio Reeves scored 9 of his 11 points in the 2nd quarter, and Jose Alvarado added 5 of his 11 points in the 4th.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the 4th quarter, where they allowed just 18 points, the Pelicans couldn’t overcome their 2nd and 3rd quarter struggles, giving up 31 and 32 points respectively in a 107-104 loss to the Grizzlies. Overall, New Orleans held Memphis to 41% shooting from the field.

The Pelicans were particularly effective at defending the three, as the Grizzlies made just 13 threes on 26% shooting. New Orleans also limited Memphis’ trips to the free-throw line, where they went 12/19. The Pelicans recorded 5 steals and 6 blocks in the game.

• Across the Pelicans last three home games, the team averaged 120 points per game while allowing 134. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 0-3, while going 1-2 straight-up.
• As the betting underdog, the Pelicans have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. New Orleans posted a straight up mark of 0-3 in these matchups.
• In their last five games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 1-4 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

As the underdogs with a spread of +6.5, we recommend going with the Pelicans on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 224.5 and given that our model is projecting 232 points between the teams, we like the over.

Clippers Aim to Keep Momentum in Playoff Chase

The Los Angeles Clippers, riding a three-game winning streak, are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive as they hit the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

After losing six of their first seven games after the All-Star break, the Clippers turned things around at home, winning all three games in their recent homestand. Their latest victory—a dramatic 111-110 overtime thriller against Sacramento—showed their resilience in crunch time.

Now, as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, Los Angeles is in good shape to make the play-in tournament, sitting several games ahead of No. 11 Phoenix. However, with the top six spots within reach, the Clippers are focused on avoiding the play-in tournament altogether by continuing their strong play.

“We needed this win,” center Ivica Zubac said after the victory against the Kings. “We were down seven with two minutes to go and came back, go to overtime, burning out, and finish like that, win like that—we needed it. We needed some positivity.”

Clippers Finding Their Stride with Harden & Leonard Leading the Way

Los Angeles has leaned on James Harden and Kawhi Leonard during its win streak. Harden erupted for 50 points in a 123-115 victory over Detroit and nearly posted a triple-double against Sacramento, finishing with 29 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds.

Leonard, known for his clutch performances, delivered once again against the Kings. With the Clippers trailing by one in overtime, Leonard drove into the lane and tossed up a left-handed floater that bounced around the rim before dropping in as time expired.

“We need these wins down the stretch,” Leonard said. “I think this will help us be a better team moving forward.”

One key concern for the Clippers heading into this three-game road trip is the status of head coach Tyronn Lue, who was a last-minute scratch on Sunday due to back pain. Assistant coach Brian Shaw filled in and led the team to victory, but Lue’s return timeline remains uncertain.

Pelicans Battling Through Inconsistency and Injuries

The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled with consistency and injuries, making their playoff push an uphill battle.

Their latest game—a 107-104 home loss to Memphis—was decided at the final buzzer. Both Jose Alvarado and Kelly Olynyk had chances to force overtime with last-second three-point attempts, but neither shot fell.

The absence of stars Zion Williamson (24.5 PPG) and CJ McCollum (21.4 PPG) due to rest made the Pelicans’ offensive execution even more difficult. However, New Orleans showed resilience, a stark contrast to its 146-117 blowout loss at Houston the night before.

“I loved our resiliency and our ability to stick together,” guard Javonte Green said. “After coming off a tough loss, I loved our approach to this game.”

The Pelicans’ younger players stepped up, with seven players scoring in double figures. Among the notable performances:

• Trey Murphy III led the way with 27 points.
• Rookie Karlo Matkovic had 13 points and 11 rebounds in his first career double-double.
• Antonio Reeves (11 points) and Jordan Hawkins (12 points) contributed off the bench.

Head coach Willie Green praised the development of New Orleans’ younger players, emphasizing the importance of getting them meaningful minutes.

“All of those young guys are getting better,” Green said. “Those are the steps that we want to take with this young group.”

What to Expect in Tuesday’s Matchup

Key Factors for the Clippers

1. Keep the Winning Streak Alive – With momentum on their side, the Clippers must continue executing late-game situations as they have during their recent run.
2. Harden & Leonard’s Impact – The All-Star duo must continue leading the charge, especially with Paul George still working his way back to full strength.
3. Bench Contributions – Role players like Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, and Terance Mann will need to provide solid support against a Pelicans team that thrives on depth.

Key Factors for the Pelicans

1. Zion & McCollum’s Status – If one or both return, the Pelicans’ chances of pulling off the upset improve significantly.
2. Defensive Intensity – Slowing down Harden and Leonard will be a top priority for New Orleans.
3. Young Players Stepping Up – Trey Murphy III and Jordan Hawkins must build on their strong performances from Sunday’s game.

Who Will Lead the NBA in Scoring? – Get expert insights & latest odds.

Prediction: Can the Clippers Stay Hot?

Los Angeles has found its groove at the right time and will be favored to extend its winning streak. However, if Zion and McCollum return, the Pelicans could make things interesting.

Expect a close battle, but the Clippers’ star power and momentum should be enough to get the job done on the road.

Final Score Prediction

Clippers 114, Pelicans 107