The New Orleans Pelicans travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome on March 1, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup that brings two teams with very different seasons but interesting recent form. The Clippers are looking to stop their losing run and stay competitive in the playoff race, while the Pelicans enter the game with confidence after winning four straight.
This game carries extra importance because both teams are dealing with key injury concerns. New Orleans has been without several important players for most of the season, but role players like Saddiq Bey have stepped up and kept the team competitive. The Clippers, on the other hand, still rely heavily on Kawhi Leonard to lead the offense, especially after recent roster changes and injuries.
Despite the difference in standings, the Pelicans have been covering the spread regularly and playing better basketball recently. With both teams capable of scoring and defensive consistency being an issue, this matchup is expected to be competitive and high in intensity. Here is a complete preview with standings, recent results, injury updates, player stats, head-to-head record, and best betting picks.
Match Information
| Match | New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers |
|---|---|
| Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Intuit Dome, Inglewood |
| TV | Pelicans+, FDSN SoCal |
| Spread | Clippers -8 to -8.5 |
| Over/Under | 222.5 |
| Moneyline | Clippers Favorites |
Current Standings & Team Overview
| Team | Record | Conference Position | PPG | Points Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | 27–31 | Mid-table West | 111.7 | 112.2 |
| Pelicans | 19–42 | Lower West | 115.0 | 120.1 |
The Clippers rely on defense and experience, while the Pelicans play a faster offensive style but struggle on the defensive end.
Recent Form (Last 10 Games)
| Team | Last 10 | Current Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Clippers | 4–6 | Lost last 3 games |
| Pelicans | 6–4 | Won last 4 games |
New Orleans has beaten teams like Golden State and Philadelphia during its recent winning streak, while the Clippers are struggling to close games.
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | Day-to-day – Ankle |
| Trey Murphy III | Out |
| Dejounte Murray | Likely Out |
Injuries have forced New Orleans to depend heavily on role players and rotation depth.
LA Clippers
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Bradley Beal | Out for season – Hip |
| Darius Garland | Out – Toe |
| John Collins | Day-to-day – Neck |
| Kawhi Leonard | Expected to play (Questionable earlier) |
The Clippers still depend on Leonard’s scoring and leadership.
Also see: Most Free Throws Made in a Row
Key Player Stats (Season Averages)
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Murphy III | 22.1 | 5.7 | 3.8 |
| Zion Williamson | 21.5 | 5.8 | 3.5 |
| Saddiq Bey | 17.4 | 5.8 | 2.6 |
| Derik Queen | 12.0 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
Bey has been a key contributor recently, especially in rebounds and playmaking.
LA Clippers
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | 28.0 | 6.4 | 3.7 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | 18.3 | 5.5 | 2.4 |
| John Collins | 13.8 | 5.2 | 1.0 |
| Brook Lopez | 7.1 | 2.9 | 1.0 |
Leonard has scored 30+ points in back-to-back games and remains the main offensive threat.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Overall Meetings | Clippers lead 26–24 |
| Last Meeting | Clippers won 126–124 |
| Recent Trend | Home team won 4 of last 5 |
| ATS | Pelicans covered last meeting |
Games between these teams are usually close, especially when played in Los Angeles.
Team Trends & Insights
- Pelicans have covered 4 straight games
- New Orleans is 16–8 ATS as an underdog of 8+ points
- Pelicans games average 233 total points in last 10
- Clippers are 6–1 ATS in recent trend data
- LA scores just 111.7 PPG (bottom third offense)
- Pelicans allow 120.1 PPG, one of the weakest defenses
Best Picks for Pelicans vs Clippers
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans +8.5 |
| Total | Over 222.5 |
| Moneyline | Clippers to Win |
| Player Prop | Saddiq Bey Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists |
| Player Prop | Kawhi Leonard Over 28.5 Points |
Also see: Top 10 Most 3-Pointers in an NBA Game
Predicted Score
Clippers 118 – Pelicans 111
The Clippers enter this matchup as the stronger and more experienced team, and playing at home gives them an advantage. Kawhi Leonard’s recent scoring form and the team’s need to end their losing streak should push them to a focused performance.
However, the Pelicans are playing their best basketball in weeks. Their four-game winning streak and strong record against the spread as underdogs suggest they can stay competitive. Players like Saddiq Bey have taken bigger roles due to injuries and are producing solid all-around numbers.
Expect the Clippers to secure the win, but New Orleans should keep the game close. With both teams capable of scoring and the Pelicans playing at a faster pace, the total points also have a strong chance to go over.
