Returning from the All-Star break went well for the Clippers, but not so well for New Orleans as the Pelicans lost by 30 to Minnesota on Thursday. Now, New Orleans must regroup against one of the better teams in the NBA on Sunday night.

While the Pelicans have now lost three straight, they are trending in a certain area. That is where bettors can find value in this Sunday night matchup.

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Game: Los Angeles Clippers (25-14, 21-18 ATS) at New Orleans Pelicans (15-22, 15-22 ATS)

When: 9:00 PM ET, Sunday, March 14, 2021

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Current Line: OFF     Total: OFF

TV Coverage: ESPN

Needed All-Star Break

Los Angeles had lost three straight before the All-Star break. The Clippers got back on track with a 130-104 win over Golden State to start the second half of the season. Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points in just three quarters of play as the Clippers cruised to the victory.

Leonard and Paul George, who averages 23.5 points a game, are both healthy and lead a Clippers offense that is fifth in the NBA in scoring. Los Angeles averages 115.2 points per game.

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Ironically, New Orleans is sixth in the NBA in scoring just behind the Clippers. The Pelicans didn’t play well against the Timberwolves on Thursday nor did they in their last game before the break against Miami.

Watch the Totals

But, in the six games prior, New Orleans put up point totals of 124, 129, 114, 129, 118, and 120. The bottom line is that the Pelicans can score when they are on their game.  

The other item worth noting is the Pelicans performance on the other end of the floor. New Orleans is 27th in scoring defense allowing opponents 116.4 points per game. They are also 29th in defensive efficiency. The Pelicans give up a lot of points too. Just ask Minnesota and bettors that like betting NBA totals.

The combination of scoring offense and scoring defense has led New Orleans to a league-leading record in Overs. The Over is 27-10 in Pelicans games this season. After Wednesday’s loss to Minnesota, the Over has now hit in 13 of New Orleans’ last 15 games. 

The Clippers are actually one of the better defensive teams in the league. Leonard is considered one of the game’s best wing defenders. Los Angeles is sixth in scoring defense allowing 109.3 points a game.

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Clippers at Pelicans Free Pick

Despite clamping down on most teams, the Clippers also trend toward the Over. The total has gone over in 23 of 39 Clippers games this season (23-15-1).

On Sunday, the posted total is probably not going to be as low as the 216 that it was when the two teams played in January, but it shouldn’t be too much higher. In January, the Clippers won 111-106 putting the total Over.

With two elite offenses, the same will happen on Sunday if you can get the right number. Play the Over up to 219.

Clippers at Pelicans Free Pick: OVER up to 219

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