The New Orleans Pelicans host the Los Angeles Clippers on March 18, 2026, with both teams facing significant challenges. The Pelicans, currently 23-46 for the season, have won ten out of their last 16 games and are riding a five-game home winning streak, while the Clippers sit at 34-34, holding the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
Injuries are a major storyline for both teams. The Pelicans will be without Bryce McGowens, who is sidelined with a toe fracture. However, Dejounte Murray is available to play after missing the previous game due to illness, a relief for the Pelicans as they look to maintain their momentum.
On the other hand, the Clippers are grappling with multiple injuries, including the season-ending absences of Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser. Kawhi Leonard, who tweaked his ankle over the weekend, is listed as questionable for the game, adding uncertainty to the Clippers’ lineup.
“The Clippers can let out a major sigh of relief,” commented an analyst, reflecting on the potential return of key players. However, the absence of Beal and Niederhauser could significantly impact their performance.
The matchup is particularly crucial for the Pelicans, who are eager to capitalize on their recent success against a short-handed Clippers team. “The Pelicans will desperately want to keep their hot streak going against the short-handed Clippers,” noted a source familiar with the teams.
As the game approaches, the Pelicans’ recent form contrasts sharply with the Clippers’ struggles, raising the stakes for both teams. The Clippers entered the 2025-2026 NBA season with high expectations but have faced challenges due to injuries and trades, complicating their playoff aspirations.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Kawhi Leonard’s status, and observers are also uncertain about Dejounte Murray’s ability to play on the second night of a back-to-back. These factors could heavily influence the outcome of this pivotal matchup.
The game is set for an 8 PM ET tip-off at the Smoothie King Center, where the Pelicans will aim to extend their winning streak and the Clippers will look to overcome their injury woes.
