The New Orleans Pelicans (19-31) continue to crawl toward the All-Star break, this time in a rematch on the road versus the Washington Wizards (29-20).
One really need not look further than the last time these two teams met for insight on how tonight’s game might play out. Simply put, the New Orleans Pelicans have no answers for the Washington Wizards’ offense, and present no difficult matchups for them on the defensive side of the ball. The Pelicans are a worse basketball team than the Wizards.
In the last game between these two (in New Orleans), the Wizards’ starting guards combined for 45 points on 19-35 shooting. John Wall had 19 assists. Even Markieff Morris pitched in 21 points and three 3-pointers, while forward Otto Porter made the same amount of long-rangers on his way to 13 points of his own.
Actually, Porter’s production spells out how exactly the Wizards were able to dominate the Pelicans so completely. The main statistic of relevance for Porter that night was his four steals. But for a third quarter hot streak from Anthony Davis and the Pels, Washington smothered the Pelicans’ offense. They forced turnovers, scored in transition, and clogged the paint. New Orleans had no chance.
Unless the bench comes alive for the Pelicans (reminder: Langston Galloway notched a DNP-CD in the last game), there appears to be no simple winning recipe. The Wizards’ starting unit is among the best in the league, and if 62 combined points from Davis and Jrue Holiday wasn’t enough last week, what else is there?
Who, When and How to Watch
When and Where: The game will be played at 6:00 PM CT in Washington, D.C..
How To Watch: The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports New Orleans and NBA League Pass.
Injuries:
New Orleans: Quincy Pondexter (Left Knee) is out. Dante Cunningham (Wrist) is questionable. Tyreke Evans (Rest) is probable.
Washington: Ian Mahinmi (Knee) is doubtful. Danuel House (Wrist) is out.
Probable Starting Lineups:
New Orleans: PG Jrue Holiday, SG Buddy Hield, SF Solomon Hill, PF Dante Cunningham, C Anthony Davis
Washington: PG John Wall, SG Bradley Beal, SF Otto Porter, PF Markieff Morris, C Marcin Gortat
Other Players to Watch:
New Orleans: E’Twaun Moore, Tyreke Evans, Terrence Jones, Donatas Motiejunas and Langston Galloway
Washington: Kelly Oubre, Jason Smith, Trey Burke and Tomas Satoransky
PD Prediction
The Pels were dominated by this team just one week ago on their home court. Buddy Hield continues to play miserably, and no one has taken his place in terms of offensive production. The defense isn’t good enough to change games against good teams. Then again, it’s hard to imagine Beal shooting so well again.
Pelicans 95, Wizards 105
Next: Player Breakdown: The useful E'Twaun Moore
What’s Next for the Pelicans?
The Pelicans will travel home on Sunday before hosting the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT, as always.