New Orleans @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 14, 2019 ) L.A. Clippers 127, New Orleans 132

The Los Angeles Clippers have thrived at home this season and will try to pick up another victory at Staples Center before beginning a road-heavy portion of the schedule when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Since dropping a 132-127 decision at New Orleans earlier this month, the Clippers have reeled off four straight wins - all at home.

The surge has them sitting 10-1 at home compared to 1-4 on the road, where they'll spend nine of their next 11 games after Sunday. Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points and Paul George added 19 in their second game together since George returned from an injury in Friday's 122-119 win over Houston. "We're basically learning within these games, but there comes a time in the game where it feels like we find a way," George told reporters. "We execute at the right times. We find the stops we need at the right times." The Pelicans saw a three-game winning streak come to an end Saturday night with a 128-120 setback at Utah despite another big effort from Brandon Ingram (33 points).

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (6-10): New Orleans is slowly returning to health following a rash of injuries, with Ingram playing his third straight game since returning a knee injury and guard Lonzo Ball playing the last two contests following a six-game layoff because of a hip issue. Ball produced 13 points and four assists off the bench Saturday night but was part of a crew of four reserves that combined to shoot 8-for-29 from the floor. Jrue Holiday, who scored 36 points in the win over the Clippers at home Nov. 14, has recorded at least 22 in each of his last four games, including 28 at Utah on Saturday.


ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (11-5): While Leonard and George are getting used to one another, sixth man Lou Williams is thriving and he had 26 points in the win over Houston while making 4-of-6 3-pointers. "You got Lou, Kawhi and Paul George. They're going to be composed," coach Doc Rivers told reporters Friday. "They've been in big games. Each one made a big shot down the stretch." Montrezl Harrell added 18 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocks against the Rockets.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. New Orleans G Josh Hart (ankle) and C Jahlil Okafor (ankle) each missed the last six games.

2. George is 12-for-33 from the floor over the last two contests after shooting 56.3 percent in his first three games since returning from a shoulder injury.

3. The Pelicans have won three straight road games versus the Clippers.

PREDICTION: Clippers 118, Pelicans 109