tODAY~Pelicans vs Clippers Live ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ NBA 2025-26 season Game 2025
The LA Clippers (2-2) host the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (0-4) tonight at the Intuit Dome for the opening round of their NBA Cup West Group B schedule. Both teams enter the contest with less-than-stellar early season performances, but the expectation is that the Clippers, playing at home, will exploit the Pelicans’ depth and offensive woes to secure a decisive victory.
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New Orleans has sputtered out of the gate, dropping their first four games with an alarming average margin of defeat. Their road trip culminated in a brutal loss to the Denver Nuggets, where a 29-2 third-quarter run by Denver highlighted the Pelicans’ difficulties in maintaining focus and execution against top-tier opponents. Injuries have been a significant factor, with key players like Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Kevon Looney (knee) sidelined, forcing rookie guard Jeremiah Fears and young big man Yves Missi into elevated roles.
The primary issue for the Pelicans lies in their league-worst offensive efficiency. The team ranks last in three-point percentage (27.9%), a number dragged down by a dismal 7-for-34 outing in their last game. While forward Zion Williamson is in better shape this season and has put up solid numbers (averaging 21.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists), his rhythm and availability have been inconsistent. The Pelicans need an assertive, dominant performance from him to have any chance against a star-studded Clippers squad.
Clippers Seeking Consistency and a Rebound
The LA Clippers enter their home contest seeking to bounce back from an uncharacteristically poor offensive showing in a loss to the Golden State Warriors, where they scored just 79 points. Despite that recent hiccup, the Clippers have been significantly better at the Intuit Dome, averaging 121.5 points in their home games this season compared to 93.5 on the road.
The return of guard Bradley Beal (back soreness) is a crucial boost for the Clippers’ struggling secondary scoring. With Kawhi Leonard (21.3 PPG) and James Harden (21.3 PPG, 8.0 APG) leading the attack, Bealโs floor-spacing and playmaking will alleviate pressure on the stars. The team’s offensive woes have been linked to a lack of a consistent third scorer following the departure of Norman Powell, a gap Beal is meant to fill. Defensively, the Clippers are a respectable middle-of-the-pack unit (14th in defensive rating), which should be more than enough against the Pelicansโ misfiring attack.
NBA Cup Implications and Key Matchups
This game holds extra significance as both teams open their NBA Cup group play schedule. A win here is paramount for both clubs, especially for the Clippers to solidify their standing in the competitive West Group B.
Zion Williamson vs. Kawhi Leonard: The battle of star forwards will be key. Williamson will try to use his physicality to attack the paint, but he will face the formidable wing defense of Leonard and likely Derrick Jones Jr.
James Harden vs. Pelicans Backcourt: Harden’s veteran playmaking and scoring will test the youthful Pelicans guards, including the high-usage rookie Jeremiah Fears, forcing New Orleans’ perimeter defenders to work hard on and off the ball.
The Clippers are heavily favored, and all pre-game metrics suggest they should cover the spread comfortably, likely keeping the Pelicans below the projected total points for the game.
