The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Los Angeles Clippers on March 18, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8 PM ET. The Pelicans are looking to extend their five-game home winning streak, having won ten out of their last 16 games, while the Clippers are currently holding onto the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 34-34.
Despite their recent success, the Pelicans will be without Bryce McGowens, who is sidelined with a toe fracture. However, they will welcome back Dejounte Murray, who missed the previous game due to illness. “Dejounte Murray had missed the Pelicans’ previous game with an illness,” noted a team source.
The Clippers, on the other hand, are grappling with significant injury woes. Both Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser are out for the season, and Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable 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,” a spokesperson revealed.
With a season record of 23-46, the Pelicans are eager to capitalize on their current momentum against a short-handed Clippers team. “The Pelicans will desperately want to keep their hot streak going against the short-handed Clippers,” commented a local analyst.
As the teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the Clippers can breathe a sigh of relief with Murray’s return, but uncertainties linger. Whether Kawhi Leonard will play is a game-time decision, and Murray’s ability to perform on the second night of a back-to-back remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed.
Historically, the Clippers entered the 2025-2026 NBA season with high expectations but have faced challenges due to injuries and trades. This matchup presents a pivotal moment for both teams as they strive to secure their playoff positions.
Fans are encouraged to come out and support their teams as they battle it out on the court. The energy in the Smoothie King Center is sure to be electric as the Pelicans look to continue their winning ways against the Clippers.
