New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards
Capital One Arena
Washington Wizards ML+120
LLostFinal 128-107
The read
TALE OF THE TAPE
Washington Wizards New Orleans Pelicans Record 10-26 ← 8-31 Net Rating -9.3 → -7.1 eFG% 54.0% ← 53.1% Home/Road 6-12 ← 2-14 Recent Form (L5) 3-2 ← 0-5 Key Injuries Young, Whitmore (OUT) Jones, Murray (OUT)
Gary's Take The market is giving far too much respect to a New Orleans Pelicans team that has forgotten how to win. The Pelicans are currently mired in a nine-game losing streak and have been arguably the worst road team in the NBA this season, posting a pathetic 2-14 record away from the Big Easy. While Zion Williamson remains a physical force, the supporting cast around him is crumbling. With Herbert Jones doubtful and Trey Murphy III nursing back spasms, the Pelicans lack the defensive wing depth and perimeter spacing required to exploit Washington's defensive lapses.
Washington is a team in transition following the blockbuster Trae Young trade, but they are playing with a level of energy and cohesion that New Orleans simply cannot match right now. The Wizards have won three of their last five games, including impressive victories over Orlando and Milwaukee. The return of Khris Middleton tonight is the massive factor the spread is ignoring. Middleton provides a veteran floor general presence that this young Wizards core has lacked, and his ability to stabilize the offense in the fourth quarter will be the difference against a Pelicans team that has repeatedly collapsed late in games during this skid.
Defensively, Alexandre Sarr is emerging as a legitimate rim protector, leading the league in combined steals and blocks. He has the length to at least bother Zion Williamson at the cup, and if the Wizards can force New Orleans into a jump-shooting contest, they win this game going away. Jordan Poole returning to D.C. adds a layer of variance, but his inefficient shooting (36.5% FG) is more likely to stall the Pelicans' rhythm than save it. In a battle of two teams at the bottom of the standings, I am backing the side that is actually showing signs of life. I am taking the Washington Wizards ML +120.
Injuries noted
New Orleans Pelicans: Saddiq Bey (Out) — Sunday's matchup in Orlando marks Bey's next opportunity to conclude what is set to be a five-game absence with the injury. With Herbert Jones (ankle) unlikely to play Friday, Micah Peavy and Karlo Matkovic should have a chance to claim a more sizable role in the New Orleans frontcourt.; Dejounte Murray (Out) — For his part, Murray -- who underwent surgery Feb. 5, 2025 to address his torn right Achilles tendon -- hasn't provided an update since the Pelicans' media availability day back in September regarding where he stands in his rehab program. The 29-year-old hasn't necessarily hit any snags in his recovery, but Borrego noted that he couldn't "say for sure" that Murray will play any point in 2025-26 until the Pelicans get a chance to evaluate him live on the court during practices or scrimmages. At the very least, Borrego's comment about the Pelicans hoping to have more clarity on Murray's status in the next month would seem to indicate that New Orleans isn't counting on Murray making it back before the All-Star break in mid-February. In the meantime, rookie first-round pick Jeremiah Fears will continue to serve as the Pelicans' starting point guard amid Murray's absence.; Herbert Jones (Doubtful) — Jones appears likely to miss his second straight game Friday. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy (ankle, back) is questionable for the Pelicans. With this news, the Pelicans may need players like Jordan Poole, Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy to step up once again.; Trey Murphy III (Questionable) — In addition to back spasms, Murphy is also dealing with a minor right ankle sprain. Murphy was unable to play Wednesday against the Hawks, so the Pelicans leaned heavily on Jordan Poole, Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy.; Jose Alvarado (Out) — The guard's next chance to end a two-game absence with the issue comes Sunday in Orlando. After playing 37 minutes during Wednesday's 117-100 loss to the Hawks, Bryce McGowens stands out as the direct fantasy beneficiary of Alvarado's absence from the New Orleans backcourt.
Washington Wizards: Cam Whitmore (Out) — Whitmore has been dealing with right shoulder soreness, but he's since been diagnosed with a more significant issue. It's too early to gauge how long he might be sidelined, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him back anytime soon. Whitmore's minutes should be picked up by the likes of Corey Kispert, Justin Champagnie and Will Riley.; CJ McCollum (Doubtful) — McCollum was acquired by the Wizards in the offseason in a trade with the Pelicans in June, and the veteran guard will end up being on his third team in less than a year. McCollum started in each of his 35 appearances with Washington this season, but it's unclear whether whether he'll retain that role in Atlanta, as he would have to displace Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Zaccharie Risacher from the Hawks' starting five. McCollum is averaging 18.8 points, 3.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 threes over 30.9 minutes per game this season.; Corey Kispert (Doubtful) — Kispert will join the Hawks after four-plus seasons with Washington. The forward, whose inclusion in the trade likely had more to do with matching salary rather than his basketball abilities, is averaging 9.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists across 19.5 minutes per game this season. He'll likely battle with Vit Krejci, Zaccharie Risacher and Luke Kennard for minutes on the wing
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- Board stored January 9, 2026 at 11:12 AM ET.
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Props on this game
2Jordan PooleOVER 17.5 Points Points-122
LActual 0
I'm looking at Jordan Poole returning to D.C. with a massive chip on his shoulder. Since joining the Pelicans, he's been thrust into a high-usage role, and coming off a 39-minute, 21-point performance against Atlanta, his confidence is peaking.
The Pelicans are desperate to snap a nine-game skid, and with the backcourt thin due to recent injuries, Poole is going to have the greenest of lights. He's a volume shooter who thrives in 'revenge' spots, and against a Wizards defense that ranks dead last in the league, he should feast. Expect him to hunt his shot early and often in a high-paced environment.
If you think Poole isn't going to try and drop 25+ on his former squad, you haven't been following his career.
Bilal CoulibalyOVER 12.5 Points Points-121
LActual 8
Bilal Coulibaly is starting to turn a corner as a primary scoring threat for this Wizards team. He's cleared this 12.5 line in his last two games, putting up 18 and 14 points while showing much more aggression attacking the rim.
With the Wizards' roster in flux following the Trae Young trade and several key rotation players sidelined, Bilal's minutes and shot attempts are locked in. The Pelicans' defense has been a sieve during their losing streak, allowing over 122 points per game, which plays right into Bilal's hands.
In a game with a massive 239.5 total, there will be plenty of transition opportunities for a young, athletic wing like Coulibaly. He's becoming the reliable secondary option Washington needs right now.
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