The Clutch Clippers

The 11-5 Los Angeles Clippers moved into a tie for the third spot in the Western Conference standings following a squeaky, 122-119 win against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. It was their fourth win in a row and third-straight time they needed a clutch shot to secure a victory.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have both contributed well in the recent late-game rallies – Kawhi hit the go-ahead jumper over the Rockets and PG buried the key three-pointers in their wins against the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Against the Pelicans, Leonard (25.6 PPG) and George (26.4 PPG) could be eyeing to closeout the game early, especially since it will be payback to the upset loss they took last week when Leonard sat out.

The duo is sure to continue having the back-up of sixth man, Lou Williams (22.4 PPG), who, in the Rockets win, knocked down big baskets and scored all of his 26 points in the second half.

Back to losing?

The 6-10 New Orleans Pelicans have fallen back to earth after a three-game winning streak. They fell to the Utah Jazz on Sunday, 128-120, where they allowed 44 first quarter points to a team that wasn’t known for scoring. Things are bound to get worse for the young Pelicans, who, on the back half of a back-to-back, are visiting the mighty Clippers.

Brandon Ingram (26.2 PPG) and Jrue Holiday (18.7 PPG, 7.5 APG) will remain as the best offensive threats for the Pels. Former JJ Redick will be someone to look out for as well, as he has been ramping it up as of late, scoring 22.1 PPG in his last seven games.

Even if the trio gets hot, the atrocious defense is waiting in the wings to cancel out their efforts on offense. The Pelicans haven’t shown improvement on defense and they rank 29th in points allowed at 119.5 per game.

PREDICTION:

The Clippers should be able to win this easily. They have great momentum and have packed up all the necessary ammo to blast the Pelicans.