The Los Angeles Clippers are playing against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at the Smoothie King Center. The Clippers’ record so far is 42-23 and they are one of the teams that have been looking like trouble in recent times. The LA-based franchise won its last game 126-111 against the Chicago Bulls, thanks to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. They made 28 and 27 points respectively.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have won just two of their last five games. But that also includes an impressive win against the mighty New York Knicks. But their strategy tonight could depend on the presence of the Clippers’ injury report, which is star-studded.
James Harden is questionable for the LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans game
James Harden has been experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder in the last few days. Despite this setback, the guard performed well for the team and managed to play against the Bulls a few hours ago. When asked about his appearance vs the Pelicans, even Ty Lue was unclear. He claimed that the Clippers are “hopeful” of welcoming Harden back soon.
Tyronn Lue says the Clippers hope they can get James Harden back soon.@LawMurrayTheNU asked if soon is tomorrow
Ty Lue: “Hopefully.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 15, 2024
Russell Westbrook is out with a hand fracture, and his return date remains a huge question mark. The Clippers are also hoping that he can set foot on the court again before the playoffs this year.
Los Angeles Clippers injury report
- James Harden (questionable)
- Russell Westbrook (out)
Los Angeles Clippers expected roster
- Kawhi Leonard
- Paul George
- Ivica Zubac
- Terence Mann
- Nah’Shon Hyland
New Orleans Pelicans injury report
- Dyson Daniels (out)
New Orleans Pelicans expected roster
- Zion Williamson
- Brandon Ingram
- Jonas Valančiūnas
- CJ McCollum
- Herb Jones
The Clippers are favored over the Pelicans tonight
The Pelicans’ squad for the game tonight is at full strength, but the Clippers have enough firepower in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to get past them. Moreover, their defense will still be in shape. The only major difference will be Harden’s absence, but PG and Kawhi can step up in his absence.
The last time these two sides played against each other was in February 2024, when the Pelicans beat the Clippers 117 to 106. CJ McCollum was the star of the night with 25 points, but there was no play where it seemed like it was an individual effort. It was when the Pelicans managed to outclass the Clippers as a solidified unit.
The Pelicans shot 53.4 FG% and that was the biggest difference that night. The Clippers’ attempts were lesser but it would be tough to imagine that it would be the same case tonight as well.