New Orleans Pelicans vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

Clippers, Pelicans Seeing Different Results Despite Stars’ Absence

The Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans face off on Monday night, both missing their top stars but experiencing vastly different outcomes as they navigate their respective challenges.

Clippers Holding Strong Without Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard remains sidelined with knee inflammation and will not join the Clippers on their current three-game road trip. However, the team has managed to stay competitive in the Western Conference, tied for fifth with the Los Angeles Lakers. Leonard has not played this season but is reportedly close to returning, potentially as soon as Jan. 4.

Despite Leonard’s absence, the Clippers have relied on a balanced effort and a next-man-up mentality. Norman Powell has emerged as the team’s top scorer, averaging 24.2 points per game. Against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, Powell led the way with 26 points, and center Ivica Zubac recorded his seventh consecutive double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of mindset: “When you step on the floor, no matter who’s on the court, having that mindset that we can win games has been our model for the last five years or so.”

While the Clippers nearly squandered a 21-point lead against Golden State, they secured a 102-92 victory. Lue acknowledged the need to clean up late-game execution after his team committed 12 of their 23 turnovers in the fourth quarter but praised the overall resilience of the group.

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Pelicans Struggling Amid Long Losing Streak

The New Orleans Pelicans are enduring a nightmarish stretch, having lost nine straight games and 18 of their last 19. Their struggles are magnified by the absence of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, with no set return date for either player. Williamson has missed 26 games, and Ingram has been sidelined for 14.

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New Orleans has failed to lead at any point in its last two games, falling to Memphis (132-124) on Friday and Houston (128-111) on Thursday. Despite the team’s struggles, forward Trey Murphy III has been a bright spot, averaging a career-best 20.2 points per game and 26.2 over the past five contests. Murphy scored a season-high 35 points against the Grizzlies, showcasing an expanded offensive repertoire in the absence of Williamson and Ingram.

“He played the right way the whole game,” head coach Willie Green said of Murphy. “He got to the basket, he got to the free-throw line. This is a great opportunity for Trey, and he took complete advantage of it.”

Key Matchup Insights

• Clippers’ Depth and Defense: Los Angeles has leaned on contributions from players like Powell and Zubac to maintain their standing in the West. Their ability to limit turnovers and close games effectively will be critical.
• Pelicans’ Early Energy: New Orleans has struggled to start games strong, often digging early deficits. Establishing a competitive tone from the opening tip will be vital.
• Trey Murphy’s Growth: Murphy’s offensive versatility has been a silver lining for New Orleans. His continued production will be necessary to keep the Pelicans competitive.

Outlook

The Clippers enter Monday’s matchup with momentum and confidence, while the Pelicans are desperate to end their prolonged slump. If Los Angeles can maintain its balanced attack and limit mistakes, the Clippers will likely extend New Orleans’ woes. Conversely, the Pelicans will need another standout performance from Murphy and improved execution to break through.