NBA 2018-19 Predictions: Picking winners from games on 23rd October

#2 New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Clippers, Staples Center

Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images

Win/Loss column: Pelicans 2-0, Clippers 2-1

Rest: Pelicans - 3 days, Clippers - 1 day

Preview:

The Pelicans have gotten off to a torrid start to their 2018-19 campaign, leveraging their frontcourt for the maximum bang for the buck. Nikola Mirotic, in particular, was a standout in games against the Rockets and the Kings, pouring in a total of 69 points in 2 games so far.

The dominance of Anthony Davis was pretty much on expected lines in both games, and another big outing in this game will cement his status as an early bird MVP candidate.

The Clippers, meanwhile, bounced back from a Game 1 loss against the Nuggets to hand Ls to the Westbrook-less Oklahoma City Thunder and the CP3-shorn Houston Rockets. They are still aiming to make the playoffs instead of blowing up their roster, as many have suggested, and they'll be a tough nut to crack.

Matchup to watch out for: Lou Williams vs Jrue Holiday

The Pelicans' wing depth chart is pretty shoddy, but the presence of two-way stud Jrue Holiday makes up for quantity with quality. Holiday himself has been his self to start the season off on both ends of the floor, and he'll be guarding reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams for much of the game.

It will be interesting to see how much his defense will stifle Williams' volume scoring, if at all.

Prediction:

The Pelicans move on to a 3-0 record with a double-digit margin win over the Clippers, securing a blowout win within the first 6 minutes of the 4th quarter.