Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers are making their way up the very competitive Western Conference standings on the strength of a six-game winning streak. But things could get a little bumpy for the Clippers, who have a tough road ahead of them in the next few days.
The Clippers go for their seventh in a row in New Orleans, where a potentially Anthony Davis-less Pelicans team will be looking to make up ground for that eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Check out our complete preview of this intriguing Western Conference matchup below.
For more of Friday’s fun NBA action, click here for our preview of the big-time showdown between the red-hot Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
When: Friday, January 30, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz — view all NBA lines
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers kicked off their brutal eight-game road trip with a 94-89 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The Clippers, who were without starting shooting guard JJ Redick (back spasms), needed a strong fourth quarter for them to eventually shake the pesky Jazz.
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Clippers won their sixth straight game, and are averaging 110 points per game during that stretch. However, they’ve still failed to cover the spread in four of those six games.
Sixth man Jamal Crawford stood in for Redick in the starting lineup and contributed 21 points, tied for a team-high with Chris Paul. Crawford also led the team with 23 points in their previous win over the Denver Nuggets.
If Redick remains unable to play against New Orleans, the Clippers will need Austin Rivers to come up with a big game against his former team. Rivers had 12 points against the Jazz, the only 12 points off the Clippers’ shallow bench due to Crawford being placed in the starting five. It’s the first time Rivers has scored double-figures in seven games with LA.
The Clippers won their first meeting this season against the Pelicans, 120-100, at Staples Center. Blake Griffin had 30 points while Paul had 18 points and 16 assists. Crawford and Redick also had 20 and 18 points, respectively, as the Clippers made a season-high 17 three-pointers.
Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans’ season-high four-game winning streak was snapped on Wednesday as they lost to the Denver Nuggets, 93-85, at home. Prior to that loss, the Pelicans had won and covered on six of their previous seven home games.
However, that loss could pale in comparison to the Pelicans possibly losing All-Star big man Anthony Davis. Davis had 24 points and 12 rebounds against the Nuggets, but suffered a groin injury late in the third quarter. He briefly left the game, but did return to play in the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans, who have already been playing without starting point guard Jrue Holiday for the last nine games, cannot afford to lose Davis, especially when they’re set to match up against Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
Not only would the Pelicans miss Davis’ 24 points per game, but Davis’ absence would also allow Griffin to concentrate solely on the offensive end. Dante Cunningham, Davis’ likely replacement at power forward, is averaging just five points per game this season.
Davis missed three games earlier this month due to a sprained toe. The Pelicans lost two out of those three games to the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers – the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference.
Writer’s Prediction
Davis sits out as the Clippers clobber the Pelicans to win and cover. Create a betting account now and start profiting on the NBA today.
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