The Washington Wizards are set to welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to the Capital One Arena this Friday, January 9, 2026, in a crucial NBA regular-season encounter. The Wizards, holding a 10-26 record, will look to capitalize on the Pelicans' recent road woes, as the visitors arrive on a four-game losing streak away from home with an 8-31 season tally.
Key Context and Recent Form
The backdrop to this game is dominated by a major trade. According to a source familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press, the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to send four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. The trade package includes veteran guard CJ McCollum moving to Atlanta. Notably, Young was listed out for the Hawks' previous game against New Orleans due to a quad contusion and will not feature for the Wizards in this matchup either.
In their last outing, the Pelicans fell 117-100 to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite a slow start, Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. For the Hawks, rookie Zaccharie Risacher impressed with 25 points, while Jalen Johnson added 19.
Expected Lineups and Injury Concerns
Both teams will field lineups impacted by significant absences. The Wizards will be without their newly acquired star, Trae Young, due to his quadriceps injury. They are also missing Khris Middleton (knee), Kyshawn George (hip), and Cam Whitmore (Deep vein thrombosis).
The Pelicans' injury list is even longer, ruling out key players like Herbert Jones (ankle), Trey Murphy III (back), Jose Alvarado (left oblique), Saddiq Bey (hip), and Dejounte Murray (Achilles).
Expected Starting Lineups:
Washington Wizards: PG Bub Carrington, SG Tre Johnson, SF Bilal Coulibaly, PF Justin Champagnie, C Alex Sarr.
New Orleans Pelicans: PG Jeremiah Fears, SG Jordan Poole, SF Micah Peavy, PF Zion Williamson, C Yves Missi.
Game Prediction and Where to Watch
Analysing the trends, the Washington Wizards have a 6-4 record against the spread (ATS) in their last ten games. They average a high-scoring 124.2 points per game this season. When they score over 122.7 points, their record is a strong 6-1 ATS.
In contrast, the New Orleans Pelicans are 1-9 overall in their last ten and average 114.5 points per game, nearly ten points fewer than the Wizards. They have hit the over on point totals 21 times in 39 games this season.
The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off on Friday, January 9, 2026. Fans in India and globally can catch the live action on broadcasters like Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, MNMT, and WVUE. Online streaming will be available on Fubo and Prime Video.
Given the Wizards' offensive firepower at home and the Pelicans' extensive injury list and poor road form, Washington enters as the favourite to secure a victory and cover the spread in what promises to be a high-scoring affair.
