The Washington Wizards (24-44) will take on the New Orleans Pelicans (29-39) Friday at the Visa Athletic Center in Reunion, Fla. for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Wizards-Pelicans betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.
Wizards vs. Pelicans: Key injuries
Wizards
- PG John Wall (Achilles) out
- SG Bradley Beal (shoulder) out
- PF Davis Bertans (personal) out
- PG Gary Payton II (COVID-19) out
- SF Garrison Mathews (ankle) out
Pelicans
- SF Darius Miller (Achilles) out
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Wizards vs. Pelicans Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Pelicans 114, Wizards 106
Moneyline (ML)
The Pelicans (-304) open this contest as big moneyline favorites over the Wizards (+240). Unfortunately, these have been two of the worst teams in the NBA restart, going a combined 1-7. The only win was when the Pelicans’ victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday.
While Washington has struggled to even stay close in games, the Pelicans just don’t inspire much confidence, either. Stay away from this moneyline as the Pelicans should win this game, but there just isn’t a lot of value here on either side.
PASS on the moneyline in favor of the point spread.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The PELICANS -7.5 (-110) open this contest as 7-point favorites over the Wizards. New Orleans has struggled mightily against the spread of late, covering just once in their last four games. Washington has been on a similar cold streak, failing to cover the spread in three of their last four games.
The Pelicans should be able to cover this spread and win by at least 8 points as their offense has been playing significantly better than the Wizards during the NBA restart. New Orleans is also a more talented team.
Take the PELICANS -7.5 (-110) Friday night, hoping they can get hot from 3-point range like they have a few times in the bubble.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 234.5, which feels slightly high for this contest considering both offenses have struggled in the NBA restart. In the four games of the NBA bubble, the Wizard have averaged just 105 points per game. The Pelicans have been slightly better, scoring 110 points per contest.
Both teams have struggled on the defensive end as well, but neither inspires a lot of confidence to score into the 120s. For that reason, bet the UNDER 234.5 (-110) for this contest Friday night.
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