New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/5/2025 6:00 PM EST

We have your New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New Orleans Pelicans hit the road to face the Washington Wizards.

New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: New Orleans Pelicans -180 (bet365) / Washington Wizards +166 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: 4.5 - New Orleans Pelicans -105 (bet365) / Washington Wizards -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 234.5 - Under -110 (FanDuel) / 234.0 - Over -110 (bet365)

Game Info

Date: 1/5/2025
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Location: Capital One Arena (Washington, DC)
TV: NBA League Pass

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends

On the road, the New Orleans Pelicans have 1 wins and 15 losses this season.
As the favorite, the New Orleans Pelicans have 3 wins and 4 losses this season.
This season, the New Orleans Pelicans have hit 20 overs, 14 unders and pushed 1 times.

Washington Wizards Betting Trends

At home, the Washington Wizards have 5 wins and 13 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Washington Wizards have 6 wins and 26 losses this season.
This season, the Washington Wizards have hit 17 overs and 15 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards have faced off three times, with the Pelicans emerging victorious in all three encounters. The games were played between December 2023 and January 2025, with the Pelicans winning twice at home and once on the road. In terms of betting outcomes, the Pelicans covered the spread in two of these matchups, while the Wizards managed to cover the spread once. All three games went over the projected total points, indicating high-scoring affairs. The Pelicans have consistently outperformed the Wizards, both in terms of outright victories and against the spread.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on January 3, 2025, where the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Washington Wizards 132-120. The Pelicans, playing at home, were the favorites with a point spread of -7.5 and successfully covered it with a final score spread of -12.0. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with an impressive 50-point performance, including a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter. Yves Missi contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Herbert Jones added 10 points and 6 assists. The Pelicans shot 50% from the field and 43.9% from beyond the arc, capitalizing on the Wizards' 21 turnovers. Despite shooting 53.6% from the field, the Wizards struggled with ball control, which ultimately cost them the game.

In the previous two matchups, the Pelicans also demonstrated their offensive prowess. On February 14, 2024, they secured a 133-126 victory at home, with the Wizards covering the spread as underdogs. Earlier, on December 13, 2023, the Pelicans won decisively on the road, 142-122, covering the spread as favorites. Across these games, the Pelicans consistently showcased their ability to score efficiently, with high field goal percentages and effective three-point shooting. The Wizards, while competitive in scoring, were often hampered by turnovers and defensive lapses, which the Pelicans exploited to maintain their winning streak in this matchup.

New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards are set to clash once again, with both teams eager to improve their standings in what has been a challenging season for each. The Pelicans, fresh off a morale-boosting victory over the Wizards, will look to build on their recent success. CJ McCollum's stellar 50-point performance was a beacon of hope for a team that has struggled with injuries and consistency. With Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson sidelined, McCollum has stepped up as a leader, and his ability to score efficiently will be crucial as the Pelicans aim to secure back-to-back wins.

On the other side, the Wizards are grappling with their own set of challenges. Despite a promising start in their last encounter, they faltered in the second half, allowing the Pelicans to capitalize on turnovers and defensive lapses. Jordan Poole, who has been a consistent scorer for Washington, will need to maintain his offensive output while ensuring better ball control to prevent another defeat. The Wizards' young talent, Alex Sarr, has shown potential, and his development will be key as they attempt to turn their season around.

Both teams have shown a propensity for high-scoring games, as evidenced by their recent matchups. The Pelicans' offensive firepower, combined with the Wizards' ability to score, suggests that fans can expect another thrilling contest. As the Pelicans travel to Washington, they will need to overcome their road woes, having won just once away from home this season. Meanwhile, the Wizards will aim to leverage their home-court advantage to halt their losing streak and gain some much-needed momentum.

New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards Pick: Total Points Over

The upcoming matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards is poised to be another high-scoring affair, making the over on total points a compelling pick. Historically, when these two teams have faced off, the games have consistently exceeded the projected total points. In their last three encounters, all matchups went over the total, showcasing both teams' offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities. The most recent game on January 3, 2025, saw the Pelicans triumph 132-120, with CJ McCollum's explosive 50-point performance leading the charge. This game alone highlights the potential for another high-scoring contest, as both teams combined for 252 points, well above the current over/under line of 234.5.

The Pelicans, despite their struggles this season, have demonstrated an ability to score efficiently, particularly from beyond the arc. McCollum's recent form, including his 10 three-pointers against the Wizards, underscores the Pelicans' offensive firepower. Even with key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram sidelined, the Pelicans have found ways to put points on the board, as evidenced by their 50% shooting from the field and 43.9% from three-point range in their last meeting with Washington.

On the other hand, the Wizards have shown they can keep pace offensively, with Jordan Poole leading the way. Despite their defensive lapses, which have been a recurring issue, the Wizards have managed to score efficiently, shooting 53.6% from the field in their recent loss to the Pelicans. The presence of young talent like Alex Sarr, who has been consistently scoring in double figures, adds another dimension to their offensive potential.

Given the recent trends and the offensive capabilities of both teams, the over on total points is a strong pick for this matchup. The Pelicans' ability to exploit the Wizards' defensive weaknesses, combined with Washington's own scoring prowess, suggests that fans can expect another high-scoring game. As both teams look to improve their standings, their offensive strategies will likely take center stage, making the over a favorable bet.

New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards Top Player Prop Picks

CJ McCollum Over 3.5 3Fgm 120 (DraftKings)

CJ McCollum's recent performance against the Washington Wizards was nothing short of spectacular, as he tied his career high with 50 points, including an impressive 10 three-pointers. This feat not only marked a personal milestone but also set a franchise record for the Pelicans. McCollum's ability to score from beyond the arc has been a consistent highlight, and his recent form suggests that he is more than capable of surpassing the 3.5 three-point field goals made line. With the Pelicans relying heavily on McCollum's offensive prowess in the absence of key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, he is likely to continue his aggressive shooting approach. Given his recent success and the Wizards' defensive vulnerabilities, taking the over on McCollum's three-point line appears to be a strong bet.

Jordan Poole Over 26.5 Points Rebounds -110 (DraftKings)

Jordan Poole has been a bright spot for the Washington Wizards, consistently leading the team in scoring. In their recent matchup against the Pelicans, Poole managed to score 26 points despite a hard fall that affected his performance in the latter stages of the game. With the Wizards looking to bounce back and Poole's scoring ability being a crucial component of their offense, the over on his combined points and rebounds line of 26.5 is an enticing option. Poole's offensive output, coupled with his potential to contribute on the boards, makes this prop a compelling choice, especially considering the high-scoring nature of previous encounters between these two teams.

Alex Sarr Over 6.5 Rebounds -120 (FanDuel)

Alex Sarr has emerged as a promising talent for the Wizards, consistently posting double-digit scoring performances and contributing significantly on the boards. In the recent game against the Pelicans, Sarr's presence was felt with his ability to rebound effectively, which has been a key aspect of his game. As the Wizards aim to improve their defensive efforts and capitalize on second-chance opportunities, Sarr's rebounding will be crucial. With the Pelicans' frontcourt missing key players, Sarr has a favorable matchup to exceed the 6.5 rebounds line. His consistent performance in recent games supports the case for taking the over on this prop.