New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Picks and Prediction for Friday January 9 2026

By: Eddie Kline Updated 01/21/2026, 02:38 PM ET

Pelicans Preview

Capital One Arena will play host to a Friday night NBA clash between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Pelicans (8-31) are looking to snap a nine-game losing streak and own the worst record in the Western Conference. On Wednesday, New Orleans trailed by 11 points after one quarter and never recovered during a 117-100 road loss against Atlanta.

Former number one overall draft pick Zion Williamson tallied a team-high 22 points (10-15 FG), eight rebounds, and six assists. New Orleans G Jordan Poole connected on 6-for-13 from long range and finished with 21 points. Bryce McGowens added 20 points off the bench for the Pelicans.

Wizards Preview

The Washington Wizards have dropped 12 of their first 18 home games and appear to be tanking for another lottery pick. The Wizards (10-26) rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and are surrendering 124.2 points per contest. On Wednesday, Washington allowed Philadelphia to shoot 54 percent from the field during a 131-110 road loss.

Tre Johnson led four Washington players in double figures with 20 points (8-13 FG) and five rebounds. Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington scored 18 points each on a combined 12-for-25 shooting effort. Alex Sarr added 15 points and seven boards for the Wizards, who committed 22 turnovers.

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Pelicans vs Wizards Pick

Washington traded C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta in exchange for Trae Young, who is currently sidelined with a quad injury. These two squads rank in the bottom three of the league in defensive efficiency and the top ten in tempo. Take the over. Final Score Prediction, Washington Wizards win 125-120.

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