WASHINGTON, D.C. – The New Orleans Pelicans got two things they really needed on Monday night; a quality win over the team with the NBA’s best record, and an epic performance from Zion Williamson (season-high 36 points).
Neither of those are possible tonight.
The Washington Wizards are not a good team, having won only three games all season, and they are currently riding a five-game losing streak. Their wins have come against the Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons; not exactly a Murderer’s Row.
In their last game, the Wizards were routed by the Philadelphia 76ers, 146-101.
Washington is also playing with a thin backcourt, minus last season’s first round pick Johnny Davis, solid-sub Delon Wright, and shooter Landry Shamet.
What New Orleans does have tonight is a chance to build on their impressive victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pelicans’ next four games are all against teams with seven or fewer wins.
Though New Orleans currently sits in 10th place, they’re just one game behind fifth-place Sacramento in the Western Conference standings.
Unfortunately, they’ll have to play without Williamson tonight. His virtuoso perfomance came at a cost as Zion sprained his left ankle. He’ll miss his first game this season due to injury. Zion had played in 20 of 24 games, sitting out the second leg of three back-to-backs and missing one other game due to the birth of his first child.
The good news is, the Pelicans are relatively healthy everywhere else. Brandon Ingram has played very well against the Wizards over his career; over his last five games against Washington he’s posting averages of 29.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals on 47.1% shooting.
In two games against the Wizards since joining the Pels, CJ McCollum is also scoring 29.0 ppg while shooting almost 43% from behind the three-point line.
However, this is the NBA. No game can be taken for granted, and no team should understand that more than the Pelicans. Ten of their 13 wins have come against winning teams, while five of their 11 losses are to sub-.500 squads.
Keys to Victory
Start Strong. The Wizards are a team in shambles right now. There isn’t much hope in D.C., and the Pelicans should do their best to remove any that is remaining from the outset of the game. Taking care of the basketball, applying pressure defensively, and attacking the paint can go a long way in snatching the spirit of the crowd and the Wizards.
Limit the Wizards Bench. Washington has one of the top bench scoring units in the NBA, but they are hampered by several injuries. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have gotten deeper over the past couple of weeks with the returns of Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado among others. The Pelicans will have the advantage with their second group, hopefully they use it.
Ingram Finding His Rhythm. Brandon Ingram hasn’t been at his best lately. Over his last six games Ingram is averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 43.9% from the floor and just under 32% from long distance. Without Zion Williamson on the floor, Ingram will have the chance to find himself and his stroke against the Wizards.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Washington Wizards |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Tyus Jones |
| G – Herbert Jones | G – Jordan Poole |
| F – Brandon Ingram | F – Deni Avdija |
| F – Zion Williamson | F – Kyle Kuzma |
| C – Jonas Valanciunas | C – Mike Muscala |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Larry Nance Jr. (right rib fracture), Matt Ryan (right elbow surgery), and Zion Williamson (left ankle sprain) are Out
Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis (calf), Ryan Rollins (knee), Landry Shamet (rib), and Delon Wright (right knee sprain) are Out. Daniel Gafford (hip) is Questionable.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (13-11) at Washington Wizards (3-19)
Season Series:
- Dec. 13: Pelicans at Wizards
- Feb. 14: Wizards at Pelicans
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Dec. 13, 6:00 PM CT
Where to watch: Bally Sports New Orleans
Where to listen: WRNO 99.5
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- In-Season Tournament Preview: Pelicans Get Rare Opportunity To Play With High Stakes Versus Kings
- Pelicans Look Like a Good Bet to Advance to Vegas
- Zion Williamson, Pelicans Appear Poised For Big Rise In The West
These are the Pels I know and love..Wish Draymond would take a swing at one of the Pels..might actually wake them up.
Glad Pels put a spanking on a horrible team. Hope they can keep it going.
On another note glad league taking action against Draymond.
So Deacon what happened to MardiGrasDeac? Back to BigDeac. The way game started thought you go back to WhatWasThat