The Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off on January 3, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Both teams currently hold the worst records in their respective conferences, making this matchup particularly significant for fans and analysts alike.
The Wizards enter the game with a 6-25 record, rooted at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, whereas the Pelicans are faring even worse at 5-29, sitting last in the Western Conference. This season has been challenging for both franchises, but it also provides both teams with an opportunity for redemption.
Washington had recently shown signs of life, securing three of its six wins within its last ten games. Their latest outing featured a decisive 125-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls, where Jordan Poole shined with 30 points, marking his place as the first player in franchise history to make five three-pointers consecutively across five games. This performance added momentum, and the Wizards hope to build on it against New Orleans.
On the other hand, the Pelicans' season has been marred by injuries, leading them to a frustrating 11-game losing streak, the longest in the league currently. Their last game saw them fall to the Miami Heat 119-108, with Trey Murphy III scoring 34 points for the Pelicans. Despite this individual success, the team has continuously struggled to find stability.
Both teams have faced significant injury challenges. The Pelicans have five players listed on the injury report, emphasizing the uphill battle they face coming off their recent downturn. Meanwhile, the Wizards are managing three injuries, though the specific players impacted were not detailed.
Historically, this matchup has tilted slightly in favor of the Wizards, who lead their all-time regular-season encounters with a tally of 24 wins to the Pelicans' 21. Interestingly, the two teams last clashed on February 14, 2024, when the Pelicans swept the season series 2-0, thanks to standout performances including 36 points from Zion Williamson.
This latest encounter promises to be pivotal not just for standings, but also for player confidence. The Pelicans will be relying on their key players, including CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray, to step up significantly to regain their former competitive edge.
Fans tuning in can catch the action on local broadcasts via Gulf Coast Sports and Monumental Sports Network, or they can stream the game live through platforms like NBA League Pass and FuboTV. Betting analysts are setting the stage for this game with Washington as the underdog, listed at +230 on the moneyline, compared to the Pelicans at -280. The betting spread favors New Orleans at -7, reflecting their home advantage.
The total over/under for the game has been set at 232.5 points, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair. Jordan Poole's point total has been set at 22.5, amid his recent scoring prowess, and CJ McCollum is also predicted to deliver, with his points total set at 21.5.
The pressure is mounting on New Orleans to finally break their prolonged losing streak. With their stronger roster on paper, the Pelicans must leverage home-court advantage and demonstrate significant teamwork if they hope to beat the Wizards. Such performances could not only shift the tides for their season but also restore some much-needed optimism among fans.