Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 3, 2025

The Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup is one of the nine games scheduled for Friday. These are the two teams with the worst records in both conferences. Washington is last in the East with a 6-25 record, while New Orleans is last in the West with a 5-29 record.

The two teams have met each other 45 times in the regular season, with Washington holding a 24-21 lead. This will be their first game this season. New Orleans swept the 2023-24 season series 2-0. Their most recent game was on Feb. 14, when the Pels won 133-126 behind Zion Williamson’s 36 points. Deni Avdija led Washington with 43 points and 15 rebounds.

Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans game details and odds

The Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST on Friday, Jan. 3, at Smoothie King Center. The matchup will be broadcast locally on GCSEN and Monumental Sports Network. Fans can also stream it live on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Wizards (+230) vs. Pelicans (-280)

Spread: Wizards (+7) vs. Pelicans (-7)

Total (O/U): Wizards -110 (o232.5) vs. Pelicans -110 (u232.5)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans preview

While Washington has struggled this season, it has shown some life in the past 10 games. Out of its six wins this season, three came in that period. It is coming off of a 125-107 blowout win against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

Jordan Poole became the first player in franchise history with five 3s made in five straight games. He ended the game with 30 points and six 3-pointers. He also had three steals to cap off a big win for the Wizards.

The Pelicans should be nowhere near the position they find themselves in right now. A barrage of injuries, starting from the preseason, derailed their season. They are on a league-leading 11-game losing streak. New Orleans is coming off of a 119-108 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

Trey Murphy III had 34 points, while CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray had 22 and 12 points, respectively.

Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans betting props

Jordan Poole’s points total is set at 22.5, which is over his season average of 21.7 points. However, in the past five games that he played, he scored 25 points or more in each of them. Bet on Poole to have another good scoring night against New Orleans.

CJ McCollum’s points total is set at 21.5. McCollum is on a good scoring streak and has two 30+ points games in the past three outings. He also had 22 points against Miami’s solid defensive schemes. So, things should only get easier against Washington. Bet on the over here.

Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The oddsmakers favor the Pelicans to finally break out of their losing slump. While New Orleans still has the better team on paper, it needs McCollum, Murray and Murphy to step up big against the Wizards. Take a risk and bet on the home team to cover the spread for a win. This should be a high-scoring game with the team total going past 232.5 points.