Los Angeles @ New Orleans preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 28, 2016 ) L.A. Clippers 98, New Orleans 102

The New Orleans Pelicans found a groove during an impressive road trip and they will try to translate their success to the home court against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. After a 3-5 start that featured three home losses, the Pelicans went 3-1 on their swing and the only loss was a four-point setback in the finale at Toronto.

The star duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins combined for 38 points and 22 rebounds - both well below their season averages - and New Orleans had just enough sloppy moments while falling to 5-3 on the road. "Off our turnovers and their second shots, they ended up with 38 points," coach Alvin Gentry told the medai. "That's a lot of points to give up in an NBA game." The Clippers have been scoring enough points but making far too few stops on the other end during a four-game losing streak, including Friday's 120-111 setback at Oklahoma City. Guard Patrick Beverley (knee) and forward Danilo Gallinari (glute) were both absent and star forward Blake Griffin was 5-of-19 from the floor in the setback.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS New Orleans

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (5-6): Los Angeles is 1-6 since a 4-0 start and opponents are averaging 114.3 points during the four-game slide. It was competitive on Friday only because of reserve guard Lou Williams, who hit six 3-pointers en route to 35 points in 39 minutes. Beverley has already been ruled out for Saturday's game while Griffin could probably use some rest after averaging 18.3 points - more than four below his season average - on 34 percent shooting during a three-game stretch and playing 40 minutes Friday night.

ABOUT THE PELICANS (6-6): While Davis and Cousins were somewhat kept in check at Toronto, guard Jrue Holiday erupted for season highs of 34 points and 11 assists. "Jrue played incredible (Thursday)," Cousins told reporters. "It sucks that we couldn't give him the help that he deserved tonight and to help pull out this win. He had a huge night, he carried us the entire night, and like I said, it just sucks that we couldn’t be a supporting cast for him." Cousins averaged 31.5 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in two games against the Clippers last season while still with Sacramento.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Williams is averaging 24.7 points while making 11 3-pointers in a three-game stretch.

2. The Pelicans released veteran F Josh Smith on Friday.

3. The Clippers won two of three meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 111, Clippers 105