The New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) and Los Angeles Clippers (6-7) meet Friday in the group stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is at 10:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Pelicans vs. Clippers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; New Orleans won 3-0 last season
The Pelicans have won 4 of their last 5 and are coming off consecutive home wins over the Sacramento Kings. They won 117-112 as 1.5-point underdogs Wednesday and 129-93 as 2-point underdogs Monday. New Orleans will clinch their group in the in-season tournament with a win over the Clippers and a Denver win over Houston.
The Clippers have won 3 straight games, including back-to-back victories at the San Antonio Spurs. They won 109-102 Wednesday, failing to cover as 8.5-point favorites, and 124-99 Monday, covering as 9-point favorites.