New Orleans Pelicans vs. Washington Wizards: A Preview & Guide to NBA Streams

Get ready for a thrilling NBA matchup as the New Orleans Pelicans host the Washington Wizards at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. This game is set to tip off on January 4th, 2025, at 1:00 AM UTC.

Pelicans vs. Wizards: A Look at the Odds & Key Injuries

The Pelicans are heavily favored in this matchup, with a 77.3% win probability compared to the Wizards' 22.7%. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors including home-court advantage and key injuries affecting the Wizards.

Injuries:

The Wizards are dealing with some notable absences:

Saddiq Bey is out due to left knee surgery and won't return until December 3rd.
Malcolm Brogdon remains sidelined with a right thumb injury, expected back on November 10th.

The Pelicans also have their own injury concerns:

Trey Murphy III is out with a right hamstring strain, aiming to return on November 8th.
Dejounte Murray is dealing with a left hand fracture and is expected to return on November 25th.

These injuries significantly impact the Wizards' lineup and could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this game.

Pelicans' Momentum: Can They Keep Winning?

The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a 123-111 victory against the Chicago Bulls in their last game. They have a solid 3-2 record in their last five games, with wins against the Orlando Magic and the Bulls, and losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets. The Pelicans are hoping to maintain their momentum and build on their recent success.

Wizards' Struggles: Can They Turn Things Around?

The Washington Wizards had a close 118-117 victory against the New York Knicks in their last outing. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with a 2-3 record in their last five games. They have wins against the Raptors and the Knicks, but also losses to the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and the Knicks. The Wizards are hoping to improve their performance and get back on track.

Key Players to Watch

For the Pelicans:

Brandon Ingram: A skilled scorer and versatile wing player who is capable of leading the Pelicans to victory.
Zion Williamson: An explosive and powerful forward, Williamson can dominate the paint and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
CJ McCollum: A seasoned veteran and sharpshooter who provides valuable leadership and scoring punch for the Pelicans.

For the Wizards:

Bradley Beal: A high-scoring guard, Beal is the Wizards' primary offensive threat and will look to carry the scoring load with the other starters out.
Kristaps Porzingis: A dominant big man who is a scoring and rebounding force for the Wizards. He will need to be at his best to try and overcome the Pelicans' frontcourt.
Corey Kispert: A sharpshooter and key contributor for the Wizards, Kispert will need to step up in the absence of Bey and Brogdon.

Where to Watch Pelicans vs. Wizards

If you're looking for ways to watch this exciting matchup, you might be wondering about reliable NBA streams. While we cannot provide specific illegal streaming links, we encourage you to check out our comprehensive guide to NBA streams here. It features safe, legal, and high-quality options to enjoy the game without any trouble.

Predictions for Pelicans vs. Wizards

Given the Wizards' injuries and the Pelicans' home-court advantage, the Pelicans are likely to come out on top. However, if the Wizards can get solid performances from Beal and Porzingis, they could make this a more competitive game.

No matter the outcome, it's sure to be an exciting and hard-fought game. Don't forget to check out our NBA streams guide to find the best way to watch the action unfold!