In Western Conference matchup at the Crypto.com Arena, the visiting New Orleans Pelicans take on the home Los Angeles Clippers. The Pels triumphed 112-91 in Los Angeles in the lone meeting between these two squads this season.
Latest news on Kawhi Leonard and Brandon Ingram
The Los Angeles Clippers downed the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, 127-15. That was a little revenge for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is in fifth place in the Western Conference standings, tied with Phoenix while holding a 1.0 game edge over Golden State. The Clippers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven.
Kawhi Leonard had a huge game, recording 32 points, six rebounds, and six assists. He hit 13 of 15 shots.
Leonard took an even more central role on offense than usual with Paul George (knee) out of action, and the veteran forward came through with one of the most efficient games of his career.
For Paul George, imaging done Wednesday revealed his has a sprained right knee, and he will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
George’s injury will likely sideline him for the remainder of the regular season.
However, with the Clippers sitting at fifth in the Western Conference, he could return for a playoff run.
Eric Gordon, Terance Mann and Nicolas Batum are candidates to see increased roles with Norman Powell (shoulder) also out.
The New Orleans Pelicans knocked off the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, 115-96. That was the third straight victory for the team, who are now in 10th in the Western Conference standings, tied with Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Oklahoma City.
New Orleans is 12-24 on the road this season but are just 1-3 in their last four road games and the team is 3-0 ATS in their last three games.
Brandon Ingram finished with 30 points, as he recorded a triple-double with 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Ingram wasn’t efficient, but he still scored a game-high 30 points thanks to a perfect night at the charity stripe. He also tied his season high with 10 assists and finished second on the team in rebounds behind Jonas Valanciunas (19) en route to his first career triple-double.
Since returning from a two-game absence, Ingram has averaged 28.2 points, 7.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals-plus-blocks with 50/38/92 shooting splits over five appearances.
Pelicans injuries:
- Trey Murphy III (Toe) – Questionable
- Jose Alvarado (Leg) – Out
- Zion Williamson (Hamstring) – Out
- E.J. Liddell (Knee) – Out
Clippers injuries:
- Brandon Boston Jr. (Lower Body) – Out
- Paul George (Leg) – Out
- Norman Powell (Shoulder) – Out
