Pelicans vs. Clippers Prediction
The second game of Friday night’s NBA Playoff Play-In double header will take place in L.A. where the Clippers will host the Pelicans at 10:00 p.m. ET. After the way the Pelicans handled the Spurs on Tuesday night, are they a good value as a 4-point road dog tonight?
Game Snapshot
511 New Orleans Pelicans (+4) at 512 Los Angeles Clippers (-4); o/u 215.5
10:00 p.m. ET, Friday, April 15, 2022
Venue: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: TNT
New Orleans Pelicans DFS Notes
Zion Williamson still has no timetable despite making good progress in his recovery. ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth is reporting that “a return to play is not imminent,” and that Zion is not expected to play in the first round vs. Phoenix if they are able to advance past the Clippers on Friday. The good news is that Zion’s athleticism appears to be through the roof in recent videos despite the fact that he’s not close to being in top shape yet.
Los Angeles Clippers DFS Notes
Paul George hit 10-of-24 shots, six 3-pointers and 8-of-11 free throws for 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals in Tuesday’s 109-104 loss to the Wolves. PG-13 was 2-of-10 for nine points in the first half, caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 15 points, and then disappeared again in the fourth quarter when the Wolves overcame a 10-point deficit on a 16-2 run once Karl-Anthony Towns fouled out. The Clippers will get the winner of Wednesday’s Spurs-Pelicans game and will have to win on Friday to keep their playoff hopes alive. This team would look a lot different (and better) if Kawhi Leonard were healthy, but George basically did everything he could tonight. Reggie Jackson had 17 points, seven boards, five assists, three 3-pointers and five turnovers, and Norman Powell added 16 points and three triples off the bench in the loss.
Hawks vs. Cavs NBA Playoffs Betting Prediction
The Pelicans are 38-17 against the spread in their last 55 games against the Clippers, are 13-5 against the number in their last 18 road games and have covered in 10 of their last 14 games as a road underdog. The Clippers, meanwhile, are just 7-19 at the betting window in their last 26 games playing on two days of rest.
NBA PLAYOFFS BETTING PREDICTION: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS +4