New Orleans brings a top-20 power-index ranking and a potent offense into a matchup with struggling Los Angeles.
New Orleans enters Sunday’s matchup 4-5 and 18th in the power index; the Clippers are 1-7 and 26th, making this a chance for Los Angeles to halt its poor start against the better-rated side. The Pelicans average 120.2 points per game, while L.A. scores 109.1 and allows 115.6, putting pressure on the Clippers to make this a possession-by-possession contest. Zion Williamson has 185 points and 51 rebounds in nine games, while Darius Garland leads the Clippers with 167 points and 53 assists—but has also committed 43 turnovers. If Garland protects the ball and Los Angeles limits Williamson’s production, the Clippers can challenge New Orleans’ scoring edge; otherwise, the Pelicans’ offense could dictate the game.