Washington-wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions January 5th 2025

Pelicans Aim for Rare Road Win in Challenging Season Against Wizards

Two struggling teams, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards, meet again on Sunday in a matchup that highlights the difficulties of their seasons. As both franchises navigate tough campaigns, their second game in three days offers a chance for redemption.

Pelicans Seek Back-to-Back Wins Amid a Tough Season

The New Orleans Pelicans enter Sunday’s game with the NBA’s worst record at 6-29. However, Friday’s 132-120 win over the Wizards snapped an 11-game losing streak and brought a glimmer of hope to an otherwise bleak season. CJ McCollum’s career-high 50 points gave fans a reason to celebrate, marking the team’s first victory since December 5.

McCollum Shines Bright in Adversity

McCollum’s stellar performance—18 of 27 from the field and 10 three-pointers—underscored his resilience during a trying season. His 22.7 points per game now tie with Zion Williamson for the team lead. Reflecting on the team’s struggles, McCollum said:

“This season has been difficult for a lot of reasons. We haven’t won games consistently, and it’s frustrating. But tonight, we took a step in the right direction.”

With Zion Williamson sidelined since November 6 due to a strained left hamstring and Brandon Ingram nursing an ankle injury since December 7, the Pelicans’ roster has been stretched thin. Despite these setbacks, Trey Murphy III (20.6 ppg) and Dejounte Murray (15.5 ppg) have stepped up to fill the void.

Road Woes for New Orleans

Winning away from home remains a massive hurdle for the Pelicans, who are just 1-15 on the road this season. To secure back-to-back victories for the first time since their 2-0 season start, they’ll need to reverse their poor travel form.

Wizards Hope to Avoid Further Decline

The Washington Wizards risk dropping below New Orleans for the NBA’s worst win percentage if they lose Sunday’s matchup. Having lost five of their last seven games, Washington’s woes are compounded by second-half collapses, as seen in Friday’s game, where they were outscored 70-52 after halftime.

Alex Sarr: A Silver Lining for the Wizards

A bright spot for Washington has been the emergence of rookie Alex Sarr. The 7-footer has scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games, averaging 11.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Head coach Brian Keefe praised Sarr’s growth:

“He’s learning with each game. When he rebounds, he has the green light to push the ball because we trust his decision-making.”

Jordan Poole continues to lead the Wizards with 21.8 points per game, while Kyle Kuzma (14.5 ppg) and Malcolm Brogdon (14.4 ppg) provide additional scoring support. However, defensive lapses and inconsistent execution have plagued the team all season.

Who will dominate the court? Find out in NBA Scoring Leader Odds & Predictions!

Key Storylines for Sunday’s Matchup

This rematch serves as more than just a battle for the league’s worst record—it’s an opportunity for both teams to regroup and build confidence. The Pelicans will lean on McCollum’s leadership and hope for contributions from their supporting cast, while the Wizards look to capitalize on Sarr’s potential and Poole’s scoring prowess.

As two teams desperate for a turnaround, the game offers a rare chance for optimism in otherwise challenging seasons.