The Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans meet again on Thursday night at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, marking the second game of a back-to-back matchup between the two teams. Wednesday’s meeting ended with the Pelicans claiming a convincing 124-109 victory, extending the Clippers’ losing streak and adding pressure on Los Angeles to respond quickly in the rematch.
The Pelicans have quietly built some momentum late in the season despite sitting outside the playoff race. New Orleans has won several of its recent games and appears to be playing with confidence, especially on the offensive side of the court. Players like Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey have stepped up with strong scoring performances, helping the team push the pace and create opportunities in transition.
The Clippers, on the other hand, are facing a challenging stretch. After a strong period earlier in the season, Los Angeles has struggled recently and has dropped multiple games in a row. Kawhi Leonard continues to carry a major offensive load, but the team has lacked consistency from the rest of the lineup. Injuries and lineup changes have also made it harder for the Clippers to maintain rhythm.
This rematch could turn into a tightly contested battle. New Orleans will try to complete a back-to-back sweep at home, while the Clippers are eager to end their losing streak and regain some momentum before the postseason play-in tournament approaches.
Match Information
| Match | Los Angeles Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Smoothie King Center |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| TV Broadcast | FanDuel Sports Network |
Team Records
| Team | Record | Conference Position |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Clippers | 34–35 | Play-in zone (West) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 24–46 | Bottom half of West |
While the Clippers are competing for play-in positioning, the Pelicans are already out of playoff contention but continue to compete hard.
Clippers vs Pelicans Preview
The Pelicans showed impressive offensive chemistry in their previous meeting with the Clippers. New Orleans recorded a large number of assists and converted a high percentage of its free throws, which played a major role in their comeback victory. The team also demonstrated strong ball movement and shot selection.
Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey were particularly effective in the previous game, combining for nearly 50 points and stretching the Clippers’ defense with perimeter shooting. Zion Williamson also remains a key offensive presence for New Orleans, providing scoring and physicality inside the paint.
Los Angeles enters the rematch searching for answers after three consecutive defeats. The Clippers have been relying heavily on Kawhi Leonard, who continues to perform at a high level and recently delivered another strong scoring performance. However, the team has struggled to generate consistent offense beyond its star forward.
The Clippers also play at one of the slowest tempos in the league, which often limits their scoring opportunities. Their defense remains solid, but when the offense stalls, it becomes difficult for them to keep up with teams that push the pace.
Another important factor in this game is fatigue. Both teams are playing the second night of a back-to-back matchup, which could impact shooting accuracy and overall energy levels. Games in this situation often become slower and more defensive.
Recent Form
Los Angeles Clippers Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 19 | Pelicans | L |
| Mar 17 | Spurs | L |
| Mar 15 | Kings | L |
| Mar 14 | Bulls | W |
| Mar 12 | Timberwolves | W |
Los Angeles has lost three consecutive games after previously winning two straight.
New Orleans Pelicans Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 19 | Clippers | W |
| Mar 17 | Mavericks | W |
| Mar 14 | Rockets | L |
| Mar 12 | Raptors | W |
| Mar 9 | Wizards | W |
New Orleans has been in strong form recently, winning four of its last five games.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | Clippers 27 – Pelicans 25 |
| Latest Meeting | Pelicans won 124–109 |
| Rivalry | Western Conference matchup |
Historically, the Clippers have a slight advantage in this rivalry, but the Pelicans have gained momentum in recent meetings.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Clippers
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Bennedict Mathurin | Out |
| Nicolas Batum | Out |
| Kawhi Leonard | Day-to-day |
| Darius Garland | Questionable |
Leonard played in the previous matchup despite an ankle issue, but his status for the rematch remains uncertain.
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| McGowens | Long-term absence |
| Dejounte Murray | Out (injury management) |
The Pelicans have relatively fewer injury concerns heading into the game.
Also Read: Josh Giddey Triple-Double Streak Impresses as Bulls Guard Makes NBA History
Probable Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Clippers
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Darius Garland |
| SG | Kris Dunn |
| SF | Kawhi Leonard |
| PF | John Collins |
| C | Brook Lopez |
New Orleans Pelicans
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Dejounte Murray |
| SG | Trey Murphy III |
| SF | Saddiq Bey |
| PF | Zion Williamson |
| C | Herb Jones |
Key Players to Watch
Los Angeles Clippers
| Player | Impact |
|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | Primary scoring option |
| Darius Garland | Playmaking and ball control |
| John Collins | Inside scoring and rebounding |
Leonard remains the centerpiece of the Clippers’ offense and often determines the outcome of close games.
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Impact |
|---|---|
| Trey Murphy III | Perimeter scoring |
| Zion Williamson | Interior offense and power |
| Saddiq Bey | Versatile wing scorer |
Murphy and Bey were instrumental in the Pelicans’ recent win against Los Angeles.
Team Performance Comparison
| Category | Clippers | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 113.5 | 115.6 |
| Points Allowed | 112.7 | 119.6 |
| Offensive Style | Slow pace | Fast offense |
| Defensive Strength | Strong | Average |
The Clippers rely more on defense, while the Pelicans focus on offense.
Also See: Lakers vs Heat Prediction: Last Games, Injury Report
Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Clippers +1.5 |
| Spread | Pelicans -1.5 |
| Moneyline | Clippers +105 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans -125 |
| Total | 231.5 |
Oddsmakers expect a competitive game with New Orleans slightly favored at home.
Best Player Prop Pick
| Player | Prop Bet |
|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | Over 2.5 Three-Pointers |
Leonard has been shooting efficiently from long range and could again be a key offensive contributor.
Best Picks for the Game
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Pelicans |
| Total | Under 230.5 |
| Player Prop | Leonard Over 2.5 Three-Pointers |
Fatigue and familiarity between the teams could slow down the pace in the rematch.
Also see: Cavaliers vs Bulls Prediction: Last Games, Injury Report
Predicted Score
| Team | Predicted Score |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | 116 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 110 |
Final Prediction
The rematch between the Pelicans and Clippers could once again produce a competitive contest. New Orleans currently holds the momentum after its convincing win in the first meeting and has shown improved offensive chemistry in recent games.
The Clippers possess the stronger defensive structure, but their offensive struggles have been noticeable during this losing stretch. Much will depend on the availability and performance of Kawhi Leonard, who remains the team’s most reliable scorer.
If New Orleans continues to push the pace and maintain the ball movement that led to their previous win, the Pelicans have a good chance to secure another home victory. Expect a close matchup early, but the Pelicans’ recent confidence and offensive rhythm could ultimately make the difference in this second game of the series.
