The New Orleans Pelicans are set to host the Los Angeles Clippers on March 18, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center, with an 8 PM ET tip-off. The Pelicans enter the matchup with a record of 23-46, having won ten of their last 16 games and currently riding a five-game home winning streak.
In contrast, the Clippers hold a record of 34-34 and are positioned as the eighth seed in the Western Conference. However, they are grappling with significant injury issues, including the absence of Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, both out for the season.
Dejounte Murray, who missed the previous game due to illness, is available to play, which could bolster the Pelicans’ chances. “Dejounte Murray had missed the Pelicans’ previous game with an illness,” noted a team source.
On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for the game after tweaking his ankle over the weekend. “Kawhi Leonard tweaked his ankle over the weekend and missed the Clippers’ game on Monday against the Spurs,” the source added.
The Pelicans will be without Bryce McGowens, who is sidelined with a toe fracture, and Bennedict Mathurin, who will miss the next three games due to a toe injury. This leaves the Pelicans needing to capitalize on their home advantage against a short-handed Clippers team.
Despite their struggles this season, the Pelicans are eager to maintain their momentum. “The Pelicans will desperately want to keep their hot streak going against the short-handed Clippers,” remarked an analyst.
As the game approaches, the Clippers’ ability to perform without key players will be tested. The team has faced challenges throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season, entering with high expectations but encountering numerous obstacles due to injuries and trades.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether Kawhi Leonard will play, and Dejounte Murray’s ability to perform on the second night of a back-to-back is also uncertain. This adds an element of unpredictability to the matchup.
