The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans, both struggling with the two worst records in the NBA, will face off on Friday night. The Wizards have managed six wins this season, with three coming in their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have only five wins and are on an 11-game losing streak, having dropped 20 of their last 21 games.
Recent Performances
- Washington Wizards: The Wizards recently secured their largest margin of victory this season, a 125-107 home win against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Jordan Poole led the charge with 25 points or more in each of his last five games, including 30 points in the win against the Bulls. Six teammates also scored in double figures, and the Wizards had 36 assists on 49 made field goals.
- New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans lost to the Miami Heat 119-108 on Wednesday, continuing their losing streak. Despite trailing by 18 points, they rallied with a 26-19 advantage in the third quarter but ultimately fell short. Trey Murphy III has been a standout performer, averaging 26.1 points during the last seven games, surpassing his season average of 20.8 points.
Key Players and Injuries
- Washington Wizards: Jordan Poole has been a consistent scorer, averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. The team will need to continue leveraging his contributions to stay competitive.
- New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans are without their top scorers Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, as well as top reserve Jose Alvarado. This has significantly impacted their performance, as the trio averages more than 55 combined points per game.
Matchup History
This will be the first meeting between the Wizards and Pelicans this season. Last season, Orlando won all three games against Toronto, including a buzzer-beating victory and an overtime win.
Outlook
The Wizards will look to build on their recent success and continue their winning momentum, while the Pelicans will aim to break their losing streak and secure a much-needed road victory. The injuries on both sides will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game.
