Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans: There’s Not Much That Separates Both Teams

• The Washington Wizards are coming off of a 25-point victory in their last game
• The New Orleans Pelicans are also coming off of a blow out win, theirs by 28 points
• Both teams are looking to climb their way up the standings

Wizards vs Pelicans Odds

Odds taken form DraftKings Sportsbook.

Wizards vs Pelicans Pick

There’s not much that separates these two teams, but injuries to the Pelicans will truly benefit the Wizards. With their strength on the glass, Washington should be able to take a victory from the Pelicans.

Washington Wizards def. New Orleans Pelicans (+160)

Injury Report

Wizards vs Pelicans Predictions

Washington Wizards Game Notes

The Washington Wizards will be facing off against a depleted New Orleans Pelicans team, but they can’t take them for granted. Even without some key players, the Pelicans are a dangerous team who can make shots from anywhere on the court.

If the Wizards want to take down the Pelicans, they’ll need to start by pressuring their guards. The Pelicans, despite their massive victory, were forced to commit 19 turnovers. Guards Harper, Marshall, and Petty Jr. combined for 13 of the team’s 19 turnovers.

Washington looked decent on the defensive end in their last game, limiting their opponents to 34.9% shooting from the field and 21.7% shooting from three-point range. If they can keep the Pelicans offence in check, they’ll have a great chance at victory.

Wizards Key Player: (F) Vernon Carey Jr.

VERNON CAREY JR ??

Wizards (+145 ML) ? pic.twitter.com/qOmPAQy9LW

— NBABet (@nbabet) July 10, 2022

The Washington Wizards built their success off of the aggressive play of Vernon Carey Jr. The two-year NBA veteran looked more than comfortable on the court, and his ability to get to the free throw line was key to their victory.

Carey Jr. posted 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks  in just 19 minutes of play. While he was just 4 of 9 from the field, he made up for it by going 7 of 7 from the free throw line.

If the Wizards can use Carey Jr. to control the boards, they’ll have a great chance at victory. If he can continue to be a force on the offensive glass, it’ll only be a benefit to them.

New Orleans Pelicans Game Notes

The New Orleans Pelicans seized their first win of the Summer League season. After dropping their first match, they were able to settle into their offence and find good opportunities.

In their 28-point victory over the Hawks, New Orleans shot 55.7% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. Their offence looked much steadier as their ball movement earned them 18 assists on 34 made shots.

If they can maintain the quality of their offence, despite the glaring issues regarding their team health, they have a great chance against the Wizards. Keeping their shooting touch from deep will be key to victory.

Pelicans Key Player: (G) Trey Murphy III

Trey Murphy knocks down the triple for his 30th point 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rL9ZPRmHCx

— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2022

The New Orleans Pelicans were able to win their first game of their NBA Summer League schedule. A great deal of their success came from the shot-making ability of guard Trey Murphy III.

The Pelicans guard posted 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist in 33 minutes of play. He shot 10 of 18 from the field and 3 of 6 from three-point range, all while converting on 7 of 9 free throws.

With EJ Liddell and Dyson Daniels unavailable to play due to injury, Murphy III has seized his opportunity. His shot-making ability makes him playable at all times through the Summer League, something the Pelicans will lean on with so many key injuries.

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