Wizards vs Pelicans Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Saturday, January 28th

Check out our free Wizards vs Pelicans pick and preview for this NBA game in New Orleans. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Wizards vs Pelicans NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Washington Wizards at New Orleans Pelicans
Where: New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
Date: Saturday, January 28th
Betting Odds NO -4, WAS +152 | NO -183 O/U 230.5

The Wizards come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 22-26. So far, the team has gone 22-25-1 against the spread. In today’s game, Washington will look to extend their 4 game winning streak. This has come while posting an average scoring margin of 9.25.

In their previous game, the Wizards took down the Rockets by a score of 108-103. Not only did they come away with a straight up win, but they also covered the spread as 2 point favorites. Washington pulled out the surprising comeback win, despite going into the 4th quarter trailing by 10 points. In the win, Kyle Kuzma led the team in scoring with 33 points on a field goal percentage of 48.0%.

The Pelicans come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 26-23. So far, the team has gone 24-25-0 against the spread. Today, the Pelicans will be looking to snap a 6 game losing streak. The team has lost these games by an average of -10.5 points per contest.

In their previous game, the Pelicans were favored to win vs the Timberwolves. However, their 111-102 loss gave them both a straight up and ATS defeat. New Orleans went on to lose the game despite leading by 6 heading into halftime. In the loss, CJ McCollum led the team in scoring with 25 points on a field goal percentage of 52.9%.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

I Similar to their season-long average, the Wizards averaged 103.5 points per game vs the Pelicans. Just like the Wizards, the Pelicans maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 113.5 points per game vs Washington. The ATS record across the previous 5 head-to-head meetings is 3-2 in favor of the Pelicans. In these matchups, New Orleans has averaged 119 points per game, while allowing 108. Washington and New Orleans averaged a combined 227 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

This season, the Washington offense is ranked 21st in the NBA in scoring at 112.7 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Wizards will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.1 made 3’s per game. Not only is the Washington offense struggling with their outside shot, but they are also getting to the charity stripe at a below average rate. So far, they are the 19th ranked team in made free-throws per contest.

On defense, the Wizards will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 16th ranked unit in points allowed per game.

A key injury to note in this game is the likely absence of the Wizards 2nd leading scorer, Kristaps Porzingis. In his 41 games, Porzingis is averaging 22.1 points per game while dishing out 2.4 assists and grabbing 8.8 rebounds. In he is unable to take the floor, the team will be looking for even more production out of Kyle Kuzma, who leads the team and is 30th in the NBA at 22.2 points per contest. For the season, he has connected on 46.0% of his field goal attempts while taking 21.1% of overall shots.

Through 49 games, New Orleans is the 11th best scoring team at 115.3 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.0 made 3’s per game. One reason that they are still scoring at a high rate, is the fact that they are ranked 11th in the NBA in possessions per contest. These increased opportunites have helped make up for the lack of outside shooting.

Against the Wizards, the Pelicans will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 13th in points allowed.

A key injury to note in this game is the absence of the Pelicans 2nd leading scorer, Zion Williamson. In his 29 games, Williamson is averaging 26.0 points per game while dishing out 4.6 assists and grabbing 7.0 rebounds. In his absence, the team will be looking for even more production out of CJ McCollum, who leads the team and is 43rd in the NBA at 21.2 points per contest. For the season, he has connected on 43.0% of his field goal attempts while taking 20.9% of the team’s shots from the floor.