New Orleans Pelicans close road trip against two-headed monster Clippers

After taking a road loss in Utah last night, the New Orleans Pelicans will try to close their overall solid West Coast road trip against a two-headed monster.

When the New Orleans Pelicans headed out on this three-game road trip against three teams currently in the Western Conference Playoffs, it was most crucial that they didn’t come home empty-handed.

After a split with the win over the Phoenix Suns and loss to the Utah Jazz, the team has a chance to take home a best-of-three split against the LA Clippers.

Tonight’s game tips off at 8 p.m. CT from the hallowed grounds of the Staples Center.

Last time these two teams squared off, the New Orleans Pelicans left with a clutch, 132-127 victory in the halls of the Smoothie King Center on the night of Paul George‘s debut.

With both George and Kawhi Leonard presumably in the lineup tonight, it’s going to be a lot trickier for the New Orleans Pelicans, who have enough trouble slowing teams down as it stands.

Ranking 25th in defensive rating and 29th in points allowed this season, this defense is going to be put to the test against a Clippers team that ranking 9th on offensive rating and 10th in points per game.

The Pelicans are fortunate to have Brandon Ingram, J.J. Redick and Jrue Holiday, the three key scorers on the active roster, all playing well on the offensive end. Key to this stretch, the three are providing brilliant ball movement and finding their teammates in key spots.

Still waiting for Josh Hart, Derrick Favors, and Jahlil Okafor to return from injuries, Alvin Gentry will have a limited bench again against the Clippers. Fortunately, Lonzo Ball and E’Twaun Moore have stepped up as bench guards. Further, Nicolò Melli is getting more clever on offense.

Against a stacked Clippers team, this New Orleans Pelicans bunch will be put to the test, but if they can keep it close enough in the fourth quarter for Ingram to pull off more clutch magic.

How to watch New Orleans Pelicans @ LA Clippers:

As usual, fans in Louisiana can catch tonight’s game on Fox Sports New Orleans.

Those who don’t have an appropriate cable package can sign up for a plan for Fubo TV, giving them access to the action.

How to listen to New Orleans Pelicans @ LA Clippers:

Fans near the Big Easy can catch the call on ESPN Radio New Orleans 100.3 FM, giving them the chance to hear the Pelicans in their natural territory, over the airwaves.

Those who want to hear the call but don’t live within the market can sign up for a TuneIn premium account, which allows them to hear the New Orleans Pelicans play any game.

What to read to get you ready for the action:

Micah Wimmer breaks down the first two games of the road trip for Pelican Debrief, as the team took a split decision to start the stretch, a win over Phoenix and a loss to Utah.

According to David Griffin, things are progressing well for Zion Williamson, who seems to be about a month away from taking the floor.

Over at The Ringer, Zach Kram breaks down how the New Orleans Pelicans’ offense is actually better than fans might think based on early returns.

Brandon Ingram has been huge this season, but The Athletic explained just how huge his performance was in the Pelicans win over the Phoenix Suns.