New Orleans looked like a juggernaut in its three previous meetings against the Clippers this season, but Sunday was one of those nights where everything seemed to tilt in LA’s favor. In their first opportunity to clinch a Western Conference play-in berth, a combination of too many Pelicans turnovers and red-hot Clippers perimeter shooting quickly turned the matchup into a one-sided affair. In a potential preview of a play-in bracket game, LA sealed its position as the No. 8 seed in the West.
New Orleans remained in the No. 9 spot, but saw its lead over 10th-place San Antonio (33-45) sliced to one game.