Clippers vs. Pelicans Odds & Betting Predictions - March 16, 2024

The Pelicans take on the Clippers tonight in a game that could be a preview of a First Round matchup in the Western Conference. One player I’m targeting is CJ McCollum. CJ has changed his shot profile to better fit the Pelicans system to optimize Zion and Brandon Ingram and it has paid dividends for the team. He is taking over 50% of his shots from 3 point range which is the highest mark in his career and a 12% uptick from last season. The 3 ball is a shot the Clippers allow at a league average rate so this sets up well for CJ. McCollum has also scored well against LAC over the last two seasons while averaging 19.8 across 5 contests, the one time he scored just 12 he was 4/13 from the field but the volume was there. In his most recent contest he dropped 25 points on February 7th and was 5/11 from 3. As for the rebounds, CJ has rebounded well in this matchup as well. He has averaged 5.4 per game in this matchup with 6 and 7 this season. Tonight, the rebounds could have even more upside if the Clippers elect to run a smaller lineup in an attempt to tax Zion especially if the Pelicans play more Larry Nance minutes. It would not surprise me to see Ty Lue experiment with a few extra things during this game given the likely Playoff matchup. Overall, his PR line is set at 19.5, a number he has exceeded in 59% of games while averaging 22.6 per game. I expect CJ McCollum to exceed 19.5 PR, a number he could clear with points alone.