Los Angeles Clippers (21-12, fourth Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (21-14, sixth).
New Orleans; Friday, 8 p.m. EST
New Orleans has won four straight coming into this game against Los Angeles.
The Pelicans are 14-12 versus Western Conference teams. New Orleans limits opponents to 112.0 points and 46.0% shooting, fourth in the Western Conference.
The Clippers are 16-9 versus Western Conference teams. When committing fewer turnovers than opponents, Los Angeles is 9-5.
The Clippers allow 112.2 points per game, while the Pelicans score 115.9. The Clippers average 12.7 3-pointers per game, 0.4 fewer than the Pelicans.
The teams play again this season. Last November 25, the Pelicans won 116-106.
Top performer: Pelicans' Jonas Valanciunas averages 14.2 points on 57.9% shooting. Brandon Ingram has averaged 21.1 points in New Orleans' previous 10 games.
Kawhi Leonard averages 24.6 points, 6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals for the Clippers. James Harden has averaged 3.7 3-pointers in the previous 10 games for LA.
The Pelicans are 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 118.3 points, 44.7 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 8.3 steals, and 5.5 blocks on 50.3% shooting. Opponents average 106.3 points per game.
Clippers: 8-2, averaging 124.1 points, 41.8 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.6 steals, 5.4 blocks, and 52.3% shooting. Their opponents average 118.8 points.
Matt Ryan (calf), Trey Murphy III (knee): Pelicans injuries.
Moussa Diabate: removed (hip).