Pelicans Edge Clippers in Close Contest
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans 105, LA Clippers 99, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans beat LA Clippers 105-99 at Smoothie King Center on March 19, 2026.
Who was favored in LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -166 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game, the New Orleans Pelicans triumphed over the LA Clippers with a final score of 105-99 at the Smoothie King Center. This victory marked the Pelicans' second consecutive win, improving their record to 26-46, while the Clippers fell to 34-37, extending their losing streak to four games. The significance of this matchup was underscored by the fact that the series between these two teams was tied at 2-2 prior to the game, making this contest crucial for both teams.
The Pelicans showcased solid form in their recent outings, having won six of their last ten games, with an impressive scoring average of 120.0 points per game while allowing 114.9. Their home record has been particularly strong, as they have won all four of their last home games, averaging 123.6 points and allowing 111.2 in their last five games. In contrast, the Clippers have struggled recently, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, but they have averaged 121.0 points while allowing 115.9. Their away performance has been mixed, with a 2-2 record in their last four away games.
This game was a rematch of their previous encounter just a day earlier, where the Pelicans also emerged victorious, winning 124-109. This back-to-back meeting added an extra layer of intensity, as both teams aimed to assert dominance in the series. The Pelicans had previously lost to the Clippers in their earlier matchup this season on March 2, where they fell 117-137.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans had Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day, with Peavy resting and McGowens dealing with a toe issue. The Clippers were without Jordan Miller, who was out due to a shoulder injury, while Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser were both day-to-day with hip and foot injuries, respectively. The health of these key players could have significant implications for both teams moving forward.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pelicans favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 228.5 points. The odds reflected the Pelicans' recent home success and the Clippers' struggles, particularly in their recent games.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, and fans were treated to a thrilling finish. Key moments included a crucial three-point jumper from Trey Murphy III, which helped the Pelicans maintain their lead late in the fourth quarter. Zion Williamson also made significant contributions, including a dunk that extended the Pelicans' lead. The final minutes saw both teams exchanging baskets, but the Pelicans managed to hold off the Clippers' attempts to close the gap, ultimately sealing their victory.
Viewers should have noted the Pelicans' strong home court advantage, their ability to score efficiently, and the impact of their key players like Williamson and Murphy III. The Clippers, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, especially in the closing moments of the game, which ultimately cost them the chance to turn the tide in their favor.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -4.5 | 228.5 o -112 / u -108 | LA Clippers +140 · New Orleans Pelicans -166 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Jordan MillerOutShoulderLA Clippers
- Bradley BealDay-To-DayHipLA Clippers
- Yanic Konan NiederhauserDay-To-DayFootLA Clippers
Leaders
- PointsTrey Murphy III27New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsSaddiq Bey6New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsYves Missi11New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsDerrick Jones Jr.22LA Clippers
- AssistsJordan Miller5LA Clippers
- ReboundsJohn Collins8LA Clippers
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 6-4Streak W2120 scored · 114.9 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W124-109vs LA ClippersMar 19
- W129-111vs Dallas MavericksMar 17
- L105-107at Houston RocketsMar 14
- W122-111vs Toronto RaptorsMar 12
- W138-118vs Washington WizardsMar 8
- L116-118at Phoenix SunsMar 7
- W133-123at Sacramento KingsMar 6
- L101-110at Los Angeles LakersMar 4
- L117-137at LA ClippersMar 2
- W115-105at Utah JazzMar 1
LA Clippers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L3121 scored · 115.9 allowed per game2-2 away
- L109-124at New Orleans PelicansMar 19
- L115-119vs San Antonio SpursMar 17
- L109-118vs Sacramento KingsMar 15
- W119-108vs Chicago BullsMar 14
- W153-128vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 12
- W126-118vs New York KnicksMar 10
- W123-120at Memphis GrizzliesMar 8
- L112-116at San Antonio SpursMar 7
- W130-107vs Indiana PacersMar 5
- W114-101at Golden State WarriorsMar 3
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | LA Clippers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-76 | 37-78 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 10-32 | 13-34 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 38 |
| Free throws | 19-32 | 18-22 |
| Free throw % | 59 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 32 |
| Assists | 20 | 21 |
| Steals | 11 | 11 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 44 |
| Fouls | 21 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 33 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter65-69Yves Missi makes two point shot (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 3rd Quarter68-69John Collins makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brook Lopez assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-69Derrick Jones Jr. makes 1-foot dunk (Kris Dunn assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-71Saddiq Bey makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter70-72Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter70-74Saddiq Bey makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter72-74Jordan Miller makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter72-77Derik Queen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-77Derrick Jones Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-77Derrick Jones Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-79Saddiq Bey makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter76-79Isaiah Jackson makes layup (Jordan Miller assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-79Kobe Sanders makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jordan Miller assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-79Isaiah Jackson makes running layup (Jordan Miller assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-82Jordan Poole makes 23-foot three point jumper (Herbert Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-82Jordan Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter82-84Zion Williamson makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter84-84Isaiah Jackson makes dunk (Kobe Sanders assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-86Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-87Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter86-87Isaiah Jackson makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter88-87Bogdan Bogdanovic makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-87Isaiah Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-88Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-89Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-89Bogdan Bogdanovic makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter92-90Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-91Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-91John Collins makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter94-93Zion Williamson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter94-96Trey Murphy III makes 27-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 4th Quarter94-97Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-100Trey Murphy III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 4th Quarter95-100Brook Lopez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-100Derrick Jones Jr. makes running layup
- 4th Quarter97-102Zion Williamson makes dunk (Herbert Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter97-103Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-104Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-105Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-105Bogdan Bogdanovic makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours LA Clippers.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance15395
- OfficialsTony Brothers, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Intae Hwang
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- New Orleans Pelicans at LA Clippers — NBANov 8, 2026
- Pelicans Defeat Clippers 124-109 at HomeMar 18, 2026
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- Clippers Edge Pelicans in Thrilling FinishOct 31, 2025