Clippers vs. New Orleans: L.A. has to do better on defensive glass to end slump

The Clippers have lost eight of their last 11 games, most recently falling to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, 102-91.

In that game, Blake Griffin had 40 points on 78% shooting, and Chris Paul had 24 points on 66.6% -- but the rest of the team combined to shoot only 27% (10 of 37) from the field. The Clippers were also outscored in second-chance points, 23-11, a stat Clippers’ Coach Doc Rivers thought made the biggest difference in the game.

“That killed us,” Rivers said. “It’s been our issue all year.”

The New Orleans Pelicans, who the Clippers face Friday night at 7:30 in Los Angeles, are four for 11. The team has put together a three-game winning streak after opening the season dropping 11 of their first 12 games. Injuries sidelined Anthony Davis for three of those games.

Davis is averaging 23.5 points and 10.8 rebounds. He’s grabbed at least 17 rebounds in the team’s last three games.

Griffin is averaging career highs this season in points (25.5) and field goal percentage (55.1%). He’s also averaging 8.7 rebounds a game.

The Clippers won two of the team’s three games against the Pelicans last season, and the Pelicans have lost five straight on the road against the Clippers.