Two teams moving in different directions in the NBA standings will cross paths as the Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans lock horns in the Big Easy. Will the Clippers keep their win streak going? Or, will the Pelicans end their slide?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 8:00 AM, Manila time

Away: Los Angeles Clippers (35-29, 13-19 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • James Harden
  • Kris Dunn
  • Nicolas Batum
  • Kawhi Leonard
  • Ivica Zubac

After three losses in a row, the Clippers are suddenly on the rise again as they enter this Wednesday’s contest on a roll. Los Angeles has gone 3-0 straight up in their last three games, including their 111-110 overtime win at home over the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Kawhi Leonard, who gave the Clippers a win with a buzzer-beating shot and finished that game with 22 points, is expected to see action in this rematch versus the Pelicans. He was not available when LA beat the Pels last December in New Orleans, 116-113, giving Norman Powell extra chances to deliver the goods and score 35 points. 

Well, it’s Powell, who is not available this time around, though, Leonard’s presence should balance out his absence – and more. The Clippers should find lots of opportune on offense against New Orleans’ leaky defense that is 26th in the league with 119.1 points allowed per game and just 29th with a defensive 56.3 effective field goal percentage.

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Home: New Orleans Pelicans (17-48, 11-21 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • CJ McCollum 
  • Trey Murphy III
  • Zion Williamson 
  • Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
  • Yves Missi

Unlike the Clippers, the Pelicans are on a tailspin. New Orleans enters this meeting with the Clippers on the heels of a four-game losing streak. In their most recent outing, the Pels suffered a 107-104 loss at home to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. If anything, they deserve some credit for going toe-to-toe against one of the best teams in the league despite missing the services of Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. 

The good news for New Orleans is that both Williamson and McCollum are returning to action this Wednesday, which should be a huge boost for the Pels’ chances to break out of their slump. Williamson leads all Pelicans players with at least 10 games played this season with a 114.2 offensive rating, while McCollum is fourth with 111.5. McCollun, a March Madness hero, scored 33 points in the first encounter this season with the Clippers with Williamson not around in that contest. As a team, the Pelicans are 22nd in the league with 110.8 points per game.

Picks

Spread: New Orleans Pelicans (+6.5)
Over/Under: Over (224.5)

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