Wizards vs. Pelicans Betting Predictions

Washington Wizards (22-26 SU, 22-25-1 ATS) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (26-23 SU, 24-25-0 ATS)

When: Saturday, January 28th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Smoothie King Center, LA, New Orleans

TV: NBC

Point Spread: Wash +4/NO -4 (Save money by betting on games at -105 instead of -110 at BAS!)

Total: 230.5

Money Line: Washington Wizards +152/-183

Notable Injuries

Wizards

• Kristaps Porzingis (Doubtful) Ankle

Pelicans

• Zion Williamson (Out) Hamstring
• Dyson Daniels (Out) Ankle
• EJ Liddell (Out) Knee

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Washington is 22-26 overall. When taking to the road, Washington has a mark of 10-16 and a win percentage of 38%. Currently, the team is 10th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 22-25-1 vs. the spread. In their matchup against New Orleans, the Washington Wizards have won 4 straight games and will look to push that mark to 5 in a row.

In their preceding game, the Wizards overpowered the Rockets, earning a 108-103 win as 2 point favorites. Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards, putting up 33 points on 48.0% shooting. The Wizards not only secured the victory but also covered the spread.

Heading into the game, New Orleans is 26-23 overall. When playing at home, New Orleans has a mark of 17-8 and a win percentage of 68%. Currently, the team is 4th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 24-25-0 vs. the spread. The Pelicans need a win in today’s matchup vs. Washington to avoid their 7th straight loss.

New Orleans most recently lost to the Timberwolves by a score of 111-102. The team high 25 points from CJ McCollum were not enough to come home with the win. The Pelicans were 3-point favorites going into the game.

The Historicals

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Pelicans picked up the 132-112 win over the Wizards. Heading into the game, New Orleans was the 1.5-point underdogs, giving them an ATS win. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. Over the last five head to head meetings, the Pelicans have averaged 119 points per game compared to 108 for Washington. This has led to an ATS record of 3-2 for New Orleans. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under mark of 3-2. Combined, they averaged 227 points in these games.

Analysis

Coming into the game, Washington’s offense is ranked just 21st in scoring at 112.7 points per game. This has come while being the 18th-ranked unit in pace. So far, the Wizards are averaging 98.9 possessions per contest. Washington has struggled with their 3-point shot this season, as they are currently ranked just 21st in 3-point shooting percentage at 34.9%. In addition, they are near the bottom of the league in attempts, at just 31.9 attempts per contest. On defense, the Wizards are allowing an average of 112.0 points per game, placing them 16th in the league. So far, teams have shot 35.9% on their looks from outside vs. Washington. This figure places them 21st in 3-point shooting defense.

Heading into today’s game, Washington will need a strong offensive effort from Kyle Kuzma and the team’s supporting cast, as Kristaps Porzingis won’t be available vs. New Orleans. So far, Porzingis is averaging 22.1 points per game. Kuzma leads the Wizards at 22.2 points per contest.

This season, New Orleans is among the league leaders in scoring, averaging 115.3 points per game. So far, the Pelicans are also one of the more up-tempo teams in the league, sitting at 100.4 possessions per game. New Orleans comes into the game ranked just 27th in 3-point attempts per game. So far, they have connected on 35.8% of their shots from deep, which places them 24th in the NBA. On defense, the Pelicans allow an average of 110.28 points per game, placing them 13th in the league. So far, teams have shot 36.48% on their looks from outside vs. New Orleans. This figure places them 26th in 3-point shooting defense.

Heading into today’s game, New Orleans will need a strong offensive effort from CJ McCollum and the team’s supporting cast, as Zion Williamson won’t be available vs. Washington. So far, Williamson is averaging 26.0 points per game. McCollum leads the Pelicans at 21.2 points per contest.

Betting Trends

• Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up win.
• Wizards are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.
• Pelicans are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Pelicans are 1-12 ATS in their last 13 Saturday games.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Washington Wizards are playing good ball, winners of their last four games in a row. The Pels have lost six games in a row. It is absolutely mind-boggling to me to see that 69% of the public is siding with New Orleans here! I’m betting the Wizards at +4! Bet your NBA predictions for FREE this weekend by scoring a 100% real cash bonus up to $500 when you use promo code PREDICTEM at Betnow Sportsbook!