Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans preview (Image via NBA) The Washington Wizards (10-26) will host the New Orleans Pelicans (8-31), who have lost four straight road games. There is no established lineup for the Wizards vs. Pelicans game on Friday. In a 117-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, Zaccharie Risacher scored 25 points, Jalen Johnson added 19, and seven Atlanta players scored in double figures. The Hawks also traded four-time All-Star Trae Young to Washington.Meanwhile, according to a source with knowledge of the transaction who spoke to The Associated Press, the Hawks agreed to trade Young, who was listed out for the game against New Orleans due to a quad contusion, to the Wizards in exchange for a package that included veteran CJ McCollum. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 22 points on 10-for-15 shooting, eight rebounds, and six assists after overcoming a scoreless first quarter.
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans – When and where to watch the game
The Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 9, 2026. The venue has been set at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Additionally, Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, MNMT, and WVUE will broadcast the entire match. Fubo and Prime Videos will also telecast the whole match for online fans.
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans – Expected Starting Lineups
Washington Wizards
PG Bub CarringtonSG Tre JohnsonSF Bilal CoulibalyPF Justin ChampagnieC Alex Sarr
New Orleans Pelicans
PG Jeremiah FearsSG Jordan PooleSF Micah PeavyPF Zion WilliamsonC Yves Missi
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans – Injury Report
Washington Wizards
Trae Young- Out (quadriceps)Khris Middleton- Out (knee)Kyshawn George- Out (hip)Cam Whitmore- Out (Deep vein thrombosis)
New Orleans Pelicans
Herbert Jones- Out (Ankle)Trey Murphy III- Out (Back)Jose Alvarado- Out (Left oblique soreness.Saddiq Bey- Out (Hip)Dejounte Murray- Out (Achilles)
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans – Game Prediction
The Wizards have a 6-4 record against the spread and a 5-5 record in their last ten games. This season, the Wizards have won 15 of their 36 games against the spread. This year, 48.7% of Wizards games have exceeded the over/under threshold. When scoring more than 122.7 points, Washington has a 4-3 overall record and a 6-1 record against the spread.The Pelicans are 1-9 overall and have won two of their previous ten games against the spread. This season, the Pelicans are 21-18-0 against the spread. This season, the Pelicans have hit the over 21 times out of 39 possibilities. The Pelicans average 114.5 points per game, which is 9.7 fewer than the Wizards’ 124.2 points. Also read: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards (01-07-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more