Opinion
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Pelicans Set to Soar or Clip at Crypto.com Arena Showdown

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to face off against the LA Clippers at the Crypto.com Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can maintain their momentum and overcome a formidable opponent. The Pelicans have shown resilience and skill in recent games, but they will need more than just determination to secure a victory in Los Angeles.


LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the LA Clippers during the In-Season Tournament on November 24, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Tyler Ross/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last encounter on December 24th against the Houston Rockets, NOP narrowly missed a win with a final score of 104-106. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways for NOP; they demonstrated an impressive two-point field goal percentage of 59 percent and dominated points in the paint with 58. However, turnovers were an issue as NOP gave up possession 16 times which translated into only five points off turnovers – an area that will require tightening up against LAC's aggressive defense.


NOP's performance before that was more encouraging when they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 22nd. They secured a commanding victory with a score of 123-104, showcasing their offensive prowess by leading for over three-quarters of game time and achieving an effective field goal percentage of 63 percent. Their bench contributed significantly with 40 points, suggesting depth that could be pivotal in upcoming games.


LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers grabs the rebound during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the In-Season Tournament on November 24, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for NOP; they faced defeat at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 20th despite having led for most of the game. The final scoreboard read 113-115 in favor of MEM. Turnovers again played a part as NOP lost possession eleven times which resulted in giving away twenty-six points off turnovers – something LAC is sure to capitalize on if given the chance.


The upcoming clash promises to be intense as both teams have strengths that could tip the scales either way. The Clippers' home advantage cannot be overlooked nor can NOP's recent road win where they displayed exceptional shooting accuracy from beyond the arc at forty-three percent and from free throws at eighty-eight percent.


LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the In-Season Tournament on November 24, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Tyler Ross/NBAE via Getty Images)

NOP fans should look forward to seeing how Coach Willie Green addresses these issues and whether he can harness his team’s evident scoring ability while minimizing errors. A focus on maintaining possession and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities could prove decisive.


The scheduled game is set for February 7th at Crypto.com Arena starting at 7:00 PM PST (10:00 PM EST). Fans won't want to miss this exciting matchup which will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN (channel number:206), regionally on BSSC (channel number:693) for home viewership or BSNO (channel number:676-4) for those cheering from afar.

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