LA Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Preview, How to Watch and Betting Info

The LA Clippers look to build a winning streak as they take on Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans for the first time this season.

Author:
Garrett Chorpenning
Publish date:
Jan 13, 2021 11:58 AM EST

The LA Clippers will return to action with a game against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, where they'll look to build a winning streak for the first time in the new year.

LA has gone 3-3 since we turned the calendar over to 2021, picking up wins over the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and, most recently, the Chicago Bulls. However, they haven't been able to string together any of those wins — at least, not yet.

They'll get a good opportunity to do so against the Pelicans, who enter this game as losers of three straight.

Most of New Orleans' struggles have come on the offensive end of the floor this season. A bottom-10 team in points per game and offensive rating, this year's squad has struggled to move the ball and hit open shots. As a group, the Pelicans connect on just 32.2% of their three-pointers — the worst mark in the league.

That said, New Orleans boasts what is arguably the most physical frontcourt in the NBA in Williamson and Steven Adams, and they've done well to keep opposing teams out of the paint and off the glass. The Pelicans allow the fewest rebounds and two-point attempts per game, and they've been great about limiting free throws.

One thing is for sure — expect the Clippers to put up a ton of threes on Wednesday night. Not only is LA currently the best three-point shooting team in the NBA, but New Orleans allows more three-point attempts per game than any other team in the league.

Look for Paul George to try to get his outside shot going early, and keep an eye on Nicolas Batum and Kawhi Leonard, who have been hot from range this season.