The New Orleans Pelicans were down 13 in the fourth quarter on Wednesday in their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, so the Pelicans decided to make things quite simple. As Pelicans guard CJ McCollum said after the game, the game plan was “Get the ball to Z and get the f*** out the way.” Zion Williamson would finish with 43 points, but he scored the last 14 to give the Pelicans a 119-118 win. He dunked a ball with 39.1 seconds left to put the Pelicans up by two. That was the most consecutive points by a Pelicans player to end a contest in team history. The Pelicans visit the Grizzlies this weekend, and the Clippers head to Indiana in our two NBA betting picks from the Association.
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L.A. Clippers (-5) at Indiana Pacers (3:00 pm ET)
The Clippers (21-16) beat Indiana when the two teams met in California earlier this season, 114-100. They come to Indianapolis ready to bounce back from a 116-110 loss in Boston in their last game. Their offense was inconsistent due to some iffy shooting. On the season, they average 109.2 points per game, which is 29th in the league, and they shoot 46.5% overall (21st). Paul George is still the leading scorer (23.7 points per game), and their three-point shooting (37.2%, 9th overall) is a bright spot for their offense. However, they only make 76% of their free throws (24th). Their dfense has been stout (108.8 points permitted per game), and they limit opponents to 33.9% shooting from three-point land. They are ninth in the league in rebounding (44.4 per game), and as Kawhi Leonard continues to build back toward full strength, the scoring and rebounding should only improve.
The Pacers (19-17) dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 135-126, in a shootout in their last game. Tyrese Haliburton keys the offense, scoring 20.8 points and dishing out 10.2 assists per game. Their three-point shoting percentage (37.3%) is eighth in the league, and they make 79% of their free throws (13th). Their defense is a bit porous, allowing 115.4 points per game (20th), but they only permit the 13th-lowest shooting percentage from behind the arc (36.4%). Even so, the Clippers have more offensive weapons and should be able to rebound more effectively. Clippers to win and cover.
New Orleans Pelicans (+5) at Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 pm ET)
The Pelicans (22-12) still lead the Western Conference, although the Denver Nuggets have moved into a tie with them atop the standings. The Pelicans ended up shooting 48.1% overall against Minnesota in that win, making 11 of 23 from behind the arc. They did clank 13 of 43 free throws, which continues to be a problem. The Pelicans permitted 50.6% shooting on the night, even though they clamped down at the end. Zion had 43 points, going 14 of 21, and three rebounds while handing out five assists, in 34 minutes.
The Grizzlies (21-13) won their last game, beating Toronto, 119-106, despite shooting just 35.7% from three-point land and making just 75% of their free throws. Dillon Brooks was impressive, going 7 of 14 from the floor for 25 points in 34 minutes, with six assists and three rebounds. Memphis scores 115.2 points per game, but they only make 71.4% of their free throws, a number that needs to improve. They permit 36.1% three-point shooting by their opponents. With Zion cooking, though, you have to wonder what answer Memphis will have inside. Pelicans to cover.
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