New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 1/9/26, 3:10 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 1/9/26 at 9:30 PM in NBA Picks

From December 11 to 22, the Pelicans won five straight games, but that was followed by a nine-game losing streak, marking the fourth time this season that the last-place team in the Western Conference has lost six or more consecutive games.

The Pelicans' latest loss was their 31st of the season, a 117-100 defeat against the Hawks in Atlanta. Williamson led his team with 22 points, but New Orleans had a disastrous third quarter, scoring only 13 points and committing 19 turnovers throughout the game, effectively ending any chance of a win. Interim coach Borrego himself said they turned the ball over too often and criticized his team's decision-making.

The Wizards, meanwhile, have won only two more games than the Pelicans; at least they have a 2-2 record in 2026 with victories against the Nets and Magic. With the acquisition of Trae Young, Washington aims to revive a franchise seemingly destined to fight for the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but the former Hawks star, sidelined with a quadriceps injury, has yet to play in his new jersey. Alex Sarr, with 15 points and 7 rebounds, led the Wizards in their recent 110-131 loss to the 76ers.