The LA Clippers lost a close one in New Orleans in October. After losing late last night against Dallas, they’ll come in with two losses to avenge.
The LA Clippers have been looking tremendous lately, and it only seemed fair that they were due for a loss sooner rather than later. And after winning nine of their last 10, that loss finally came on Sunday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
It was a back-and-forth affair highlighted by 19 lead changes, but ultimately, it was the rebounding deficit that led to the 110-114 loss. Dallas grabbed 20 more boards than the Clippers did, including nine more offensive rebounds. In a close game like that one, any extra possessions are vital.
The fast pace clearly favored the Clippers, but after running so hard for a full 48, one has to wonder: How will Los Angeles recover in time for tonight’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, who play even faster than the Clippers?
Los Angeles is yet to lose two consecutive games this season, and that’s likely something they’ll look to continue tonight in New Orleans, a venue where they lost once already this season.
The previous matchup, a 109-116 loss on October 23, came during the Pels’ most successful stretch of the season. Four of their five starters put up double-digits against the Clippers, including a 20-piece from Elfrid Payton, who won’t play tonight due to a fractured finger.
Since then, New Orleans has gone 9-12, with big wins over Toronto and Denver.
NOLA has been getting it done with offense, despite having two All-Defensive players in Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday on the roster. Their 117.8 points per game rank second among the league, and their league-best 12.2 offensive rebounds per game could spell trouble for Los Angeles.
However, it isn’t all bad for the Clippers. New Orleans will also be on the second game of a back-to-back, and owns one of the league’s most porous defenses. Factor that in with LA’s third-ranked offense, and it seems certain that tonight’s game will be a high-scoring affair.
Last time out, Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari led the Clippers with 50 combined points, and Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell chipped in another 29 off the bench. Expect to see more of the latter this time around, especially since Harrell only saw 23 minutes of action in the last matchup.
A win tonight would give the Clippers an excellent chance to reclaim their top spot in the Western Conference. They’re currently tied with the Denver Nuggets, who play in Toronto tonight.
The LA Clippers will tip with the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 5:00 PM PST.