T.M. Selection: New Orleans Pelicans.

I like the New Orleans Pelicans to cover the spread against the LA Clippers in this game on Thursday. The Pelicans have been hot lately winning 2 of their previous 3 games. Their loss was to the Raptors by 4 points but that game was in Toronto and the Raptors have looked a lot better in their games lately. Their 2 most recent wins were over the Warriors and the Timberwolves though. They beat a Warriors team that was missing some players but their win over the Timberwolves was impressive as the T-wolves have been getting very healthy lately and have been stepping up with their play. Both of those wins came at home too and I think the Pelicans are going to continue their home win streak here and outplay the Clippers in this game. The Clippers have won 2 games in a row but I think they are going to be hurting in this game without Paul George in their lineup. They are also missing a few other players and I think that is going to hurt their chances on the road here. As bad as the Pelicans have been this year, they have been pretty good on their home court and almost have an even record at home. I think they have been picking up some steam in their games lately and I expect them to play well here on their home court. Ingram and Valanciunas have been playing well lately and I think they are going to be tough to stop with the players missing for the Clippers. I like the Pelicans to extend their home win streak here and cover the spread in this game.

T.M. Prediction: 111-99 Pelicans.