The New Orleans Pelicans aim to snap a nine-game losing streak as they visit the Washington Wizards, who are coming off a loss but have shown improvement with five wins in their last seven games before that. This Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference matchup features two struggling teams, but the Wizards’ recent acquisition of Trae Young (though his debut status is uncertain) adds intrigue. The Pelicans dropped their latest to the Atlanta Hawks 117-100, while the Wizards fell 131-110 to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Venue Location
Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., home of the Washington Wizards. The indoor venue seats over 20,000 and is known for its energetic crowd in Southeast Division games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. MST / 6:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on MNMT, Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, and WVUE, with streaming available on Fubo and Prime Video.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences, impacting depth and strategy.
New Orleans Pelicans
Out: Trey Murphy III (undisclosed), Saddiq Bey (hip).
Questionable: Herbert Jones (right ankle sprain), Jose Alvarado (left oblique soreness).
The Pelicans’ wing and guard rotations are thinned, forcing more reliance on Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole. Jones and Alvarado missed recent practices, with their statuses to be decided closer to tip-off.
Washington Wizards
Out: Corey Kispert (injury/illness), Khris Middleton (injury/illness).
Questionable: Trae Young (trade pending; availability uncertain).
The Wizards’ perimeter shooting takes a hit without Kispert, and Middleton’s veteran presence is missed. Young’s recent trade from Atlanta broke during their last game, but he may not suit up immediately.
Key Player Matchups
This game could turn on interior battles and guard play, with both teams leaning on young talent amid injuries.
Zion Williamson (NOP) vs. Alex Sarr (WAS): Williamson (averaging ~22 PPG recently) dominates inside with his athleticism. Sarr, a rookie standout (23 points in recent win), must use his length to contain Zion’s drives.
Jordan Poole (NOP) vs. CJ McCollum (WAS): Poole (21 points in last loss) brings scoring punch. McCollum (27 points vs. Magic) will counter with veteran savvy and shooting.
Bryce McGowens (NOP) vs. Kyle Kuzma (WAS, assuming available): McGowens (20 points recently) provides energy. Kuzma’s scoring versatility could exploit mismatches.
Jeremiah Fears (NOP) vs. Bilal Coulibaly (WAS): Young guards duel, with Fears’ speed vs. Coulibaly’s defense potentially sparking turnovers.
Recent Team Forms
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are 1-9 in their last 10, mired in a nine-game skid. Losses include 100-117 to Atlanta, 103-111 to the Lakers, and 109-122 to Portland. They’ve averaged 112.0 PPG while shooting 44.8%, but defense has allowed 122.7 PPG. Zion Williamson has been a bright spot, but injuries compound issues.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are 5-5 in their last 10, with a 6-4 ATS mark. Wins include 120-112 over Orlando; losses like 110-131 to Philadelphia. They’ve averaged 113.5 PPG, allowing 124.2, but young core like Sarr shows promise. Recent form: 7-5 since a 3-20 start.
Series History
The Wizards hold a slim 24-23 all-time edge over the Pelicans in 47 regular-season meetings. New Orleans has won the last four encounters, including 132-120 on January 3, 2025, and 133-126 on February 14, 2024. The teams are 10-10 in their last 20 games. No playoff history.
Betting Trends
New Orleans: 15-24 ATS overall (38.5% cover rate), 5-14-1 ATS as underdogs of 0.5-4.5. The over has hit in 6 of last 8 as 11+ point favorites (but rare). Pelicans games over 48.7% (19/39).
Washington: 15-21 ATS (41.7%), 6-4 ATS in last 10. Wizards 3-2 ATS in last 5. Over hits 48.7% (19/39 games).
Head-to-head, Wizards 6-4 ATS in last 10 vs. Pelicans. Games under in 5 of last 7. No set line yet due to injuries and trade, but Polymarket implies close (Pelicans 49%, Wizards 51% moneyline).
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans – 2.5
Washington Wizards 241.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 8, 2026
