Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 3:30 p.m ET
Where: Smoothie King Center
How to watch: ABC
For the first time since the 13-game losing streak earlier this season, the Pelicans are not in 14th position in the Western Conference. After Thursday’s win over Utah, the Pelicans moved ahead of the Timberwolves and Kings in the standings while still holding firm at four games back of the Grizzlies for the eighth seed.
But New Orleans’ task in moving forward up the standings will be a daunting one on Saturday. In the season’s first Saturday afternoon game, the Clippers visit the Smoothie King Center. An interesting side, L.A.’s second-best team this season are elite with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, to no one’s surprise. But the two have hardly been available simultaneously as fluid movement of active players has shuffled the deck repeatedly for the Clippers.
George has missed time recently but has traveled with the Clippers to New Orleans. Should he be available, the Pelicans will have a very real problem in defending the two wings, particularly with Jrue Holiday still out.
But Brandon Ingram figures to create problems for the Clippers as well. His 49-point explosion on Thursday further put him on the radar this season as he mounts a growing All-Star resume. A match-up with Leonard on national television figures to be another big opportunity for the blossoming wing.
