The LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans timeline tells the story of two rising franchises in the Western Conference that have built a unique and exciting rivalry. Though the Pelicans were founded in 2002 (as the New Orleans Hornets) and the Clippers date back to 1970, their head-to-head story gained importance in recent years as both teams strengthened their rosters with All-Star talent. From nail-biting finishes to dominant victories, this matchup has produced a variety of unforgettable NBA moments.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Meeting | 2002 |
| All-Time Record (as of 2025) | Pelicans lead 45–34 |
| Most Recent Game | April 2, 2025 – Clippers won 114–98 |
| Playoff Matchups | None (as of 2025) |
While not as nationally hyped as Lakers vs Celtics, the Clippers and Pelicans represent the modern battles between small-market and large-market teams trying to make playoff pushes. With players like Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Paul George, each matchup feels like a playoff preview. As both teams continue to evolve, so does the intensity of this budding rivalry. In this article, we explore every angle of their basketball journey.
Table of Contents
All-Time Head-to-Head Record: Who Leads the Series?
When analyzing the LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans timeline, the all-time head-to-head record gives us a clear idea of how these teams stack up over the years. As of the 2024–25 NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans lead the regular season series with 45 wins, while the LA Clippers have 34 victories. This means the Pelicans hold a slight historical edge in overall performance, despite the Clippers being the more recognized franchise in recent years due to deeper playoff runs and star-studded rosters.
Their head-to-head battles have rarely been lopsided. In fact, many seasons have ended with the teams either splitting the series or winning by narrow margins. There was a notable stretch between 2021 and 2023 when the Pelicans won 11 out of 15 games against the Clippers. This dominance was mainly due to strong performances from Zion Williamson and Jonas Valančiūnas, combined with injuries plaguing the Clippers’ roster. However, with the Clippers regaining full health in 2024–25, the dynamic began to shift again.
Season-by-Season Breakdown: Key Matchups and Outcomes
Looking at the season-by-season matchups in the LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans timeline, fans can see how momentum has swung back and forth. In the 2024–25 NBA season, the Clippers won the series 2–1, with a strong 114–98 victory in their final meeting in April 2025. This win marked a turning point for LA as they pushed for a top playoff seed. The Pelicans, on the other hand, took a big win in March 2025 with a 127–120 performance that featured a 30-point night from Brandon Ingram.
In previous seasons like 2022–23, the Pelicans swept the season series 4–0. Their defensive intensity and rebounding edge, led by Jonas and Zion, often outmatched the Clippers’ smaller lineups. Even in 2021, a season full of injuries, New Orleans managed a series win. Each game usually carried playoff-like intensity because both teams were competing for similar positions in the standings. Their matchups have become must-watch events on the NBA calendar.
Playoff Encounters: Have They Met in the Postseason?
Interestingly, despite their frequent regular-season clashes, the Clippers and Pelicans have never met in the NBA Playoffs — at least not yet. The closest was in April 2022, when the two teams faced off in the NBA Play-In Tournament. In that win-or-go-home game, the Pelicans shocked the Clippers with a 105–101 victory, knocking LA out of playoff contention and advancing themselves to face the Phoenix Suns.
That play-in game added fuel to the rivalry, as it was filled with dramatic swings, big plays from CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, and a roaring Smoothie King Center crowd. The loss was especially painful for the Clippers, who were without Kawhi Leonard and saw their postseason dreams crushed. Since that game, fans have eagerly awaited a full playoff series between the two — one that would surely be fiery and full of storylines.
Star Players and Memorable Performances
No rivalry is complete without star power, and the LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans timeline is full of it. On the Clippers’ side, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have delivered on both ends of the court, while Russell Westbrook brought energy and leadership. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum have formed one of the most dynamic trios in the league.
Some standout performances include Ingram’s 33-point game in January 2023, and Kawhi Leonard’s 28 points with 10 rebounds in a 2024 comeback win. CJ McCollum has been the Clippers’ nemesis, consistently torching them from beyond the arc. Zion’s physical dominance in the paint, when healthy, has made life hard for LA’s defenders. These games often come down to which team’s stars shine brighter under pressure.
Statistical Comparison: Team Metrics Over the Years
Statistically, both teams have shown unique strengths that define their approach to games. The Pelicans usually dominate in points in the paint, thanks to Zion and Valančiūnas. On the other hand, the Clippers excel in three-point shooting and perimeter defense, especially with their wings like George and Leonard. Let’s look at some average stats from recent seasons:
| Stat Category | LA Clippers (Avg) | New Orleans Pelicans (Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 113.5 | 115.2 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.1 | 45.8 |
| Three-Point % | 37.4% | 35.2% |
| Turnovers Per Game | 13.2 | 14.0 |
| Defensive Rating | 111.7 | 112.9 |
As the table shows, the Pelicans have a slight edge in rebounding and scoring, while the Clippers maintain stronger shooting accuracy and fewer mistakes. These contrasts lead to interesting tactical battles whenever they meet.
Fan Perspectives: The Rivalry Through the Eyes of Supporters
For fans, this rivalry means more than just basketball. Both Clippers and Pelicans supporters feel a growing tension every time the teams meet. Pelicans fans often view the Clippers as a Hollywood team that underestimates New Orleans’ grit and talent. Clippers fans, on the other hand, see the Pelicans as a tough but beatable opponent — a team they must surpass to stay competitive in the West.
Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit are full of debates, highlight reels, and friendly trash talk whenever a matchup is approaching. Home-court advantage also plays a role — Pelicans fans at the Smoothie King Center are loud and passionate, while Clippers fans pack the Crypto.com Arena with energy. As the matchups become more meaningful, the emotions in the crowd and online continue to rise.
Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead for the Clippers and Pelicans
The future of the LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans timeline looks bright. Both teams are full of young talent mixed with veteran leadership. The Clippers hope to capitalize on the final prime years of Leonard and George, while the Pelicans look to build around Zion and Ingram for long-term success. With improved rosters and coaching staff, future games promise even more competitive showdowns.
Their next meetings in the 2025–26 NBA season will be crucial in shaping the Western Conference standings. If both teams continue to grow and stay healthy, a playoff series between them could finally happen — something fans and analysts alike have been waiting for. As their timeline continues, so does the story of one of the NBA’s most underrated modern rivalries.
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5 Short FAQs: LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans Timeline
1. Who leads the all-time series between the Clippers and Pelicans?
The Pelicans currently lead the series with 45 wins compared to the Clippers’ 34.
2. Have the Clippers and Pelicans played in the playoffs?
No, but they did meet once in the 2022 Play-In Tournament, which the Pelicans won.
3. Who are the top players in this rivalry?
Key players include Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram.
4. When was their most recent game?
Their latest matchup was on April 2, 2025, with the Clippers winning 114–98.
5. Why is this matchup considered a rivalry?
It’s a growing rivalry due to closely contested games and playoff implications.
