The New Orleans Pelicans will look to snap a nine-game skid when the Los Angeles Clippers visit Smoothie King Center tonight.
My Clippers vs. Pelicans predictions expect Ivica Zubac to dominate a favorable matchup in the paint.
Read why in my NBA picks for December 30.
Clippers vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet
Ivica Zubac Over 27.5 points+rebounds (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
Just like Chewy with Han Solo, “Zubacca” has been the ultimate wingman for James Harden and Norm Powell this season.
The Los Angeles Clippers big man is having a career year. He's averaging personal bests of 15.2 points and 12.6 rebounds, which is good for 27.8 points + rebounds, just slightly over this line.
Home-road splits are important to consider for this one, as Ivica Zubac has averaged 25.5 PR at home and 30.7 on the road. He’s hit the Over in 19 of 31 games overall, including 11 of 14 away from Intuit Dome.
Zubac has been particularly potent across his last seven. In that span, he’s averaged 17.7 points and 14 rebounds and hit the Over six times. He’s found his rhythm, and he’s in a great position to be productive against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.
The Pelis have allowed the fourth-most rebounds and second-most points in the paint. Starting big man Yves Missi is questionable, and if he sits, New Orleans’ frontcourt depth is razor-thin behind him.
Even if he plays, Missi is a rookie, and the veteran Zubac should be able to win that matchup. The Pels have allowed opposing centers to score 23.8 points and grab an NBA-high 17.2 boards. This is an easy Over for Zubacca, and I don’t have a bad feeling about this.
Clippers vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Ivica Zubac Over 27.5 points+rebounds
Clippers -5
Normal Powell Over 23.5 points
The Pels are one of the worst teams in the Association, and they’ve only been slightly better against the spread than they have been straight up.
L.A. sports the third-best ATS record in the NBA at 19-11-1, while New Orleans is just 11-21. The Clippers have covered in four of the last five, and they'll make it five of six tonight.
“Stormin’ Norman” leads the Clippers in scoring this season with career bests of 24.2 points and 3.8 triples. He’s gone for at least 24 points in 14 of 24 games overall and in six of 10 on the road. Powell has scored 26 or more points in five straight, and he gets a great matchup tonight to add to that streak.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Clippers vs Pelicans odds
Clippers vs Pelicans live odds
Clippers vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles -5 (-105) | New Orleans +5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -190 | New Orleans +160
- Over/Under: Over 221 | Under 221
Odds courtesy of bet365
Clippers vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- New Orleans has lost nine straight and covered in three of them, bringing the team’s record to 5-27 straight up and 11-21 ATS.
- The Clippers have hit the Under in four straight and in 20 of 31 games this season.
- The Pelicans have hit the Over in six of nine, and the team is 16-15-1 to the Over on the season.
Clippers vs Pelicans trend
The Clippers are 19-11-1 ATS. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs Pelicans.
How to watch Clippers vs Pelicans
| Location: | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
| Date: | Monday, 12-30-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio, NBCS-Bay Area |
Clippers vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
