Washington Wizards (6-25) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (5-29)
January 3, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: New Orleans Pelicans -7.5; Over/Under: +231.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans meet Friday in NBA action at the Smoothie King Center. Here’s a New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction. This article will include a New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Pick.
Washington Wizards Betting Preview
The Washington Wizards lost to the Knicks, beat the Bulls, and they play the Rockets, 76ers, and Bulls next. The Washington Wizards are averaging 108.9 points on 44.3 percent shooting and allowing 121.9 points on 47.3 percent shooting. Jordan Poole is averaging 21.7 points and 2.7 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma is averaging 14.6 points and 2.2 assists. Malcolm Brogdon is the third double-digit scorer, and Bilal Coulibaly is grabbing 5.5 rebounds. The Washington Wizards are shooting 33.2 percent from beyond the arc and 77.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Washington Wizards are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Clippers and Heat, and they play the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, and 76ers next. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 106.7 points on 44.1 percent shooting and allowing 118 points on 48.6 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 22.7 points and 8 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram is averaging 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds. CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc and 76.7 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 37.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.6 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Injury Report
The Pelicans will continue to be without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. The Pens have had bad injury luck all season long. The good news is Jose Alvarado is expected to make his return after missing 23 games. An energy spark, Alvarado’s energy, is just what the Pelicans need to inject some life into the team and fans.
The Wizards will be without Saddiq Bey and Bilal Coulibaly, while Marvin Bagley III is questionable. Bagley has missed three games with a knee injury. Coulibaly, the Wizard’s fourth-leading scorer, is dealing with an illness.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Wizards have lost each of their last 14 road games against Western Conference opponents.
- The favorites have won each of the Pelicans’ last 11 games.
- The Wizards have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in six of the Wizards’ last eight games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Wizards’ last six road games following a home win has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last five games has gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction
I know the Wizards aren’t good, but what have the Pelicans done to deserve to be a 7-point favorite? Because Alvarado is returning? Look, I love Alvarado and his energy as much as the next guy, but he’s not changing a ton in the betting market. The Pelicans have 5 wins and are 12-22 ATS on the season. I don’t care who the opponent is, I’m not laying 7.5 points. Also, for what it’s worth, the Wizards have covered 6 of their last 9 games.
Unless there’s injury news on the Wizards’ side, I do not see (unlikely), that this line is too bullish on the Pels. Give me the Wizards and the free points.
