Wizards Eyeing Back-to-Back Wins, Pelicans Desperate for a Breakthrough Victory
Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview: Struggling Teams Look to End Losing Streaks
In a matchup between two of the NBA‘s most underperforming teams, the Washington Wizards (6-25) head to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans (5-29) in a key East-West showdown. Both teams are facing bleak seasons and are firmly in the conversation for the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. With both franchises struggling to find their rhythm, this game is an opportunity for one to gain a much-needed win. Tipoff is set for 8:15 PM EST at the Smoothie King Center.
Washington Wizards: Searching for Back-to-Back Wins
The Washington Wizards enter this contest following a hard-fought 125-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls on New Year’s Day, snapping a two-game losing streak. This win, though rare, was significant, as it marked only their third win in the last ten games. The Wizards are currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but a win here would give them the momentum to potentially turn things around—if only briefly.
Jordan Poole played a pivotal role in the Wizards’ win, scoring a season-high 30 points, including 6 three-pointers. This marked Poole’s fifth consecutive game with 25 or more points, setting a new career best for the young guard. His scoring surge is one of the few bright spots in what has been a difficult season for the Wizards. Alongside Poole, rookie Alex Sarr impressed with an 11-point, 10-rebound performance, providing a glimmer of hope for the future of the team.
Despite the win, the Wizards continue to rank near the bottom in almost every statistical category. Offensively, they sit 23rd in the NBA in scoring, averaging 111.1 points per game. They also struggle with shooting efficiency, ranking 27th in both field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage. Their shooting woes are compounded by their inability to capitalize on opportunities, as they are ranked last in offensive efficiency.
Defensively, Washington’s struggles are just as pronounced. They rank 30th in scoring defense, allowing 120.1 points per game. Additionally, they sit near the bottom in both field goal defense (21st) and 3-point defense (13th). Though the Wizards rank 12th in total rebounds per game, they have difficulty forcing turnovers (22nd) and are ranked 28th in defensive efficiency.
New Orleans Pelicans: In Desperate Need of a Win
The New Orleans Pelicans are in even deeper turmoil than the Wizards, having dropped 11 straight games and owning the worst record in the NBA. Their most recent loss came at the hands of the Miami Heat, who defeated them 119-108 on New Year’s Day. Despite an impressive 34-point performance from Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans were unable to avoid yet another defeat, pushing their record to a miserable 5-29. The Pelicans’ season has been one to forget, with the team now just 1-20 in their last 21 games and 3-29 in their last 32 games.
Like the Wizards, New Orleans has been struggling mightily on offense. The Pelicans rank 28th in the NBA in scoring, averaging only 108.9 points per game. They also sit near the bottom in shooting efficiency, ranking 29th in both field goal percentage and 3-point shooting. New Orleans is 29th in the league in 3-pointers made per game, underscoring their inability to stretch the floor and create open looks.
The Pelicans’ defensive woes are equally concerning. They rank 25th in scoring defense, allowing 118.6 points per game. Their field goal defense is also abysmal, sitting at 29th, and they rank 25th in 3-point defense. On the bright side, New Orleans is 14th in forced turnovers per game, though their defensive efficiency ranks 29th overall, indicating a failure to capitalize on defensive opportunities. Additionally, the Pelicans rank 23rd in total rebounds per game, further highlighting their struggles on both ends of the floor.
Conclusion
Both the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans are struggling, but the Wizards come into this game with a slight edge, having just secured a solid win over the Bulls. Washington’s improved shooting from beyond the arc, combined with Poole’s offensive explosion, might give them a slight advantage against a Pelicans team that has struggled to score and defend all season long.
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