Clippers Face Pelicans in Back-to-Back Road Games

Los Angeles looks to solidify play-in tournament status against surging New Orleans squad.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Clippers will hit the road for back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans, who have won 8 of their last 12 games and are riding a 5-game home winning streak. The Clippers are coming off consecutive home losses, including one without leading scorer Kawhi Leonard, who is listed as questionable for the first game against the Pelicans. The Pelicans have been led by strong performances from Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey, while the Clippers will look to Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, two recent trade deadline acquisitions, to help them get back on track.

Why it matters

This matchup is crucial for the Clippers as they look to solidify their position in the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Pelicans, meanwhile, are surging and looking to continue their strong play at home against one of the top teams in the West.

The details

The Clippers are 4-11 this season when Kawhi Leonard does not play, underscoring his importance to the team. Darius Garland, acquired from the Cavaliers at the trade deadline, had 25 points and 10 assists in the Clippers' most recent loss, while Bennedict Mathurin, acquired from the Pacers, scored 16 points. The Pelicans have been led by strong performances from Zion Williamson, who scored 27 points on 11-of-13 shooting in their most recent win, and Saddiq Bey, who added 23 points. The Pelicans also had 31 assists in that game, well above their season average.

  • The Clippers and Pelicans will play on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The Clippers and Pelicans will play again on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' leading scorer, who is listed as questionable for the first game against the Pelicans due to a sprained left ankle.

Darius Garland

A recent trade deadline acquisition for the Clippers, who had 25 points and 10 assists in the team's most recent loss.

Bennedict Mathurin

Another recent trade deadline acquisition for the Clippers, who scored 16 points in the team's most recent loss.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star player, who scored 27 points on 11-of-13 shooting in the team's most recent win.

Saddiq Bey

A key contributor for the Pelicans, who scored 23 points in the team's most recent win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I thought he made the right decisions, made the right reads. He's getting his feel, getting his timing. (He) missed a few layups around the basket that he normally makes, but he's only going to get better.”

— Tyronn Lue, Clippers Head Coach (statenews.net)

“It felt like within the flow, the ball was moving, we were finding the right guy, playing together, sharing it, moving it. We've grown in that area a tremendous amount and we still have a ways to go. We should be knocking on the doorstep of 30-plus every night. ... Now we have another challenge here on Wednesday against a very good (Clippers) defense. Can we do it again?”

— James Borrego, Pelicans Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Clippers and Pelicans will play the second game of their back-to-back on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Clippers and Pelicans is crucial for both teams as they jockey for position in the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Clippers will need to find a way to win without their star player Kawhi Leonard, while the Pelicans will look to continue their strong play at home and solidify their own playoff positioning.