Clippers vs. Pelicans preview and game thread: LA seek first win in bubble

The NBA is back and so are the LA Clippers. After a close re-opening night loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Doc Rivers and his team get less than 48 hours before their next game, coming Saturday afternoon against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Like the Clippers, the Pelicans are coming off a two-point loss Thursday, in their case to the Utah Jazz. New Orleans gets a couple more hours rest before the game than the Clippers, but otherwise they’re pretty even and both will be seeking their first win in the bubble.

Previous meetings

Nov. 14, 2019: Clippers 127, Pelicans 132

A relatively starless game to start the matchups this season, Kawhi Leonard sat out, as did Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram for the Pelicans. Paul George played about half the game, and the home side prevailed in the end.

Nov. 24, 2019: Pelicans 109, Clippers 134

The Clippers got the win in their home game 10 days later, with a full Clippers complement turning up and only Zion still out for the Pelicans. Leonard had 26 points, but Montrezl Harrell carried the most weight on offense, with 34 points on the night.

Jan. 18, 2020: Clippers 133, Pelicans 130

LA rallied in the fourth quarter to win the teams’ second meeting in New Orleans. Leonard had a stellar 39 points to pace the Clips, while Lou Williams chipped in with 32 points, Harrell 24. Once more, no Zion in this game for the Pelicans.

Injuries/absences

Clippers: Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams - OUT; Amir Coffey - QUESTIONABLE

Pelicans: None

Notable additions

You may sense a trend here, but the notable newcomer since the teams’ last meeting for New Orleans is Zion Williamson. However, he spent much of the preparation time before the games began outside the bubble and the team is on the record saying he probably won’t be part of the unit to end quarters and he is definitely on a minutes limit for now.

Game info

When: Saturday, 3 pm PT

TV: ESPN