New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction NBA Picks 1/5/25
Washington Wizards (6-26) vs New Orleans Pelicans (6-29)
Game Info: Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 6:00 pm (Capital One Arena)
Betting Odds: Washington Wizards +4.5--- Over/Under: 235.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have been in dreadful form as they've lost 29 of their first 35 games, but they will be feeling so much better after snapping an 11-game skid with a 132-120 win over the Wizards on Friday. CJ McCollum drained 10 3-pointers to lead the way with 50 points on 18 of 27 shooting, Trey Murphy added 17 points with five assists while Yves Missi chipped in with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. As a team, the Pelicans shot 50 percent from the field and 18 of 41 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start and trailed going into halftime. The Pelicans caught fire with 70 points in the second half to get the much-needed victory at home. The Pels will play against the Wolves, Blazers, 76ers, and Celtics following this one.
Washington Wizards
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have struggled all season as they've lost 26 of their first 32 games and they will be hoping to bounce back after getting routed by the Pelicans in a tough loss on Friday. Jordan Poole led the team with 26 points and seven assists, Alexandre Sarr added 19 points with seven rebounds and five assists while Malcolm Brogdon chipped in with 16 points off the bench. As a team, the Wizards shot 53 percent from the field and nine of 28 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 37 points in the first quarter to take the early lead. The Wizards just had no answer for the Pelicans' CJ McCollum, who had a career night from behind the perimeter. The Wizards will meet the Rockets after this game.
Why the Washington Wizards will win
- The Pelicans have lost 17 of their last 18 road games.
- The Wizards have won nine of their last 11 games against the Pelicans at Capital One Arena.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as road favorites.
- The Wizards have covered the spread in each of their last four games at Capital One Arena against Pelicans teams that held a losing record.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Wizards have lost each of their last 11 night games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The favorites have won 15 of the Pelicans' last 16 games.
- The Wizards have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The favorites have covered the spread in four of the Pelicans' last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Pelicans' last eight games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Wizards' last eight games against Southwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction
The Pelicans are still missing some players with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram still out and Dejounte Murray listed as questionable, while the Wizards are keeping eyes on Jordan Poole and Bilal Coulibaly who are both questionable. The Pelicans have struggled all season as they've been hit hard by injuries. The Pels are coming into this one looking for another big win after making light work of the Wizards on Friday thanks to a monster night from McCollum. It's always tough to beat the same team twice in a row. The Pelicans still have more talent on their roster with players like McCollum and Murphy and I think they can escape with another win and cover at the short line.
Peter’s Pick New Orleans -4.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
