Pelicans vs Wizards Picks and Prediction – 1/5/2025

By: Eddie Kline |

Last Updated: 01/04/2025 at 7:00 PM ET

New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards 01/05/25 - NBA Picks & Predictions
Game Start: 1/5/2025, 11:00 PM UTC
Latest Odds: NOP -3.5 ; O/U 237.5

Pelicans vs Wizards Prediction

Capital One Arena will play host to a Sunday night NBA rematch between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards. Keep on top of all the NBA action with our free NBA Previews. The Pelicans (6-29) have dropped 15 of their first 16 road games and own the worst overall record in the NBA. On Friday, New Orleans snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 132-120 home victory versus Washington.

New Orleans G C.J. McCollum nailed 10-for-16 from the three-point line and finished with a season high 50 points. Trey Murphy chipped in 17 points (5-19 FG) and five assists for the Pelicans, who knocked down 18-for-41 from long distance. 

The Washington Wizards are eight games below .500 at home and have the fewest overall victories in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards (6-26) rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and are surrendering 122.2 points per game. During Friday’s road loss against New Orleans, Washington assisted on 28 of 45 made field goals and shot 54 percent overall.

Jordan Poole led five Washington players in double figures with 26 points (8-18 FG) and seven assists. Rookie F Alex Sarr scored 19 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. Veteran G Malcolm Brogdon added 16 points (8-8 FT) in 25 minutes off the bench for the Wizards. 

Pelicans vs Wizards Pick Analysis

New Orleans F Zion Williamson (hamstring) has been a limited participant in practice and could return to the lineup in the next week. These two teams had no problem hitting the over last time out and there should be plenty of points in the rematch. The stronger play is on the Wizards to win at home. Final Score Prediction, Washington Wizards win 123-117.

Our Free NBA Pick for Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans