| MATCHUP | New Orleans Pelicans | Washington Wizards |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 9-31 | 10-27 |
| Where | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | |
| When | Friday, January 9, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | MNMT | |
The New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards duke it out at the Capital One Arena on Friday night. Here’s a New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction. This article will include a New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have been mired in a terrible slump as they are now on a nine-game losing streak after getting thrashed by the Hawks in a 117-100 road defeat on Wednesday. Zion Willliamson led the team with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 10 of 15 shooting, Jordan Poole nailed six 3-pointers to finish with 21 points while Bryce McGowens chipped in with 20 points off the bench.
As a team, the Pelicans shot 44 percent from the field and just eight of 28 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace with the Hawks from the start. They leaked 37 points in the first quarter to trail by 12 points at halftime. Things only got worse in the third quarter, where the Pelicans scored just 13 points to trail by as many as 25 points.
Washington Wizards Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have been in fine form, as they’ve won five of their last eight games overall. But they will be looking to bounce back in this one after getting smashed by the 76ers in a 131-110 road defeat on Wednesday. Tre Johnson led the team in scoring with 20 points on eight of 13 shooting, Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly each scored 18 points while Alex Sarr chipped in with 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
As a team, the Wizards shot 49 percent from the field and 13 of 33 from the 3-point line as they leaked 37 points in the first quarter to fall behind early. However, they did a decent job of staying within striking distance until the fourth quarter where they allowed another 39 points.
Why the Washington Wizards will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last nine games.
- The Wizards have won four of their last five games as underdogs following a road loss.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games.
- The Wizards have covered the spread in six of their last seven games following a loss.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Wizards have lost 11 of their last 12 home games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have won each of their last four games against the Wizards.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Pelicans’ last five games.
- The Wizards have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as home underdogs against Southwest Division opponents following a loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Wizards’ last six games at Capital One Arena following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the Pelicans’ last nine games against Southeast Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Washington Wizards Player Facts
- Kyshawn George ranks 9th amongst qualified Forwards for assists per game (5.1) this season.
- Justin Champagnie leads all Wizards players for rebounds per 36 minutes (11.2) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Derik Queen is one of only five players to have made 8+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
- Yves Missi ranks 8th amongst qualified players for blocks per 36 minutes (2.3) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Wizards rank 30th in the league for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (94.7).
- The Wizards rank 30th in the league for Q4 points per game this season (25.3).
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from a HT deficit this season – trailed by 22 points vs Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for H2 win percentage this season (28.2%).
New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction
The Pelicans are still missing Jose Alverado, Herbert Jones and Saddiq Bey with Trey Murphy III listed as questionable, while the Wizards have traded away CJ McCollim and Corey Kispert for Trae Young. You really couldn’t back either side with any confidence these days, but the Wizards are going through a bit of a face lift. I think that benefits the Wizards in the short term as players jostle for extra playing time.
The Pelicans are just one of the coldest teams in the league right now, while the Wizards have been enjoying a decent run. With that being said, I am leaning towards the Wizards to pull off the minor upset at home in this spot.