The LA Clippers are coming off a tough loss against the Golden State Warriors at home but have a good chance to get back on track as they continue their home stretch with the visiting New Orleans Pelicans.
Game Information
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
When: 7:30 p.m. PT
How to Watch: Bally Sports SoCal
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Reggie Jackson – Eric Bledsoe – Paul George – Marcus Morris – Ivica Zubac
Pelicans: Devonte’ Graham – Josh Hart – Herbert Jones – Brandon Ingram – Jonas Valanciunas
Injury Report
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard out (knee), Nicolas Batum out (health and safety protocols), Jason Preston out (foot), Brandon Boston Jr. (G League assignment), Keon Johnson (G League assignment)
Pelicans: Zion Williamson out (foot), Daulton Hommes (G League assignment), Didi Louzada (league suspension)
The Big Picture
Despite the injuries and key players being in and out of the lineup, the Clippers have done as well as could probably be expected. The Warriors were always going to be a tough matchup and for about two and a half quarters, the Clippers were in it.
They currently sit at 11-9 and in the mix for one of the middle playoff spots. They still have one of the top defenses in the NBA. Their offense continues to be an issue, however, and that was a key reason for their second-half falter against Golden State, along with turnovers.
The Pelicans are a team that they can use to clean those areas up with crisper offense and taking better care of the ball. But it can also be a trap game. It will be the Clippers’ third game in four days after having two 12:30 p.m. starts, and it’s a back to back. The level of focus they had on defense in the first half of the Warriors game is the type of energy they need to sustain for the entire game.
The Pistons game after Thanksgiving was another trap game that they ended up winning, but Tyronn Lue had to sub Paul George and Reggie Jackson back in after the bench allowed the Pistons to trim down a 29 point lead.
The Antagonist
The last time the Clippers played the Pelicans, it was another trap game that they walked right into. Despite having a double-digit first half lead, the Clippers allowed the Pelicans to come back and eventually pull out a win in blowout fashion. It was probably the worst Clippers loss this season.
The Pelicans only had two wins at the time, and they’ve actually managed to play a little better since that matchup. This month they pulled off back-to-back wins over the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz, teams with two of the better records in the league. The Jazz win was on the road on a game-winner.
They’re still without Zion Williamson, who has actually been cleared for participation in full team activities, but Brandon Ingram has been their top leader with Jonas Valanciunas providing rebounding and toughness in the middle. Second-round pick Herbert Jones has also been a pleasant surprise for them.
Notes
- Isaiah Hartenstein continues to show that he’s worthy of the backup center minutes. While Serge Ibaka has continued to get back up to game speed following his return, there hasn’t been any drop off with Hartenstein. His playmaking has been good, his effort level on the glass is solid, and his defense has been a welcome addition. Against the Warriors, he had two emphatic blocks on Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, the latter earning him a technical foul as he started down Poole and taunted him. He needs to continue to play regular minutes.
- Eric Bledsoe has looked better the last two games. Against the Warriors, he had 13 points on 2-4 shooting from three and 10 rebounds. The Clippers need this type of consistent offensive production from Bledsoe every game. Their offense has already been shaky this season, and Bledsoe being inconsistent on that end hasn’t helped matters. He needs to continue to provide consistent scoring and be able to knock down his open threes. He’s never been a particularly strong outside shooter, but he isn’t as bad as he’s been.
