Tips Before Tipoff: Depleted Clippers Look to Snap Losing Streak Against Pelicans

NBA: DEC 28 Clippers at Pelicans

Team: Los Angeles Clippers (5-6) at New Orleans Pelicans (6-6)
Time: Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 7:00pm ET (Smoothie King Center)

The LA Clippers will limp their way into the Smoothie King Center tonight, where they look to snap their 4 game losing streak. The team standing their way, the New Orleans Pelicans. Coming off of a team meeting, the Clippers desperately need a win as they’ve lost 6/7 games. New Orleans has been playing well, winning 3 of their last 4 games.  New Orleans is also missing a handful of players: Alexis Ajinca, Omer Asik, Solomon Hill, Frank Jackson, and Rajon Rondo. The recipe for the Clippers’ success boils down to 2 ingredients: efficiently move the ball, and contain the glass

Move The Ball

The Clippers have been averaging an atrociously low assist rate during this losing streak, at 16.7 assists a game. The lack of ball movement has resulted in: poor shot selection, turnovers, and easy transition baskets for the opposing team. During this losing streak, opposing teams have been averaging 19 points a game off of turnovers against the Clippers. Control the ball, take smart shots, and don’t let the Pelicans make easy baskets.

Control The Glass

Los Angeles missed crucial rebounds against the Thunder last night. While the Clippers average good rebounding numbers (46.7 RPG) at 6th in the league, they need to be consistent. The Pelicans average 45.6 RPG, and have big men who will capitalize on any second chance points around the rim. Los Angeles played with a good defensive effort last game, but the missed rebounds voided any good defense. Willie Reed & Deandre need to be fantastic on the glass tonight, otherwise Anthony Davis & Demarcus Cousins will eat them alive.

Tips Before Tipoff

1) MOVE THE BALL
2) Control the glass

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