Pelicans Must Not Take Woeful Wizards Lightly

The New Orleans Pelicans (13-11) travel to take on the Washington Wizards (3-19) Wednesday night at the Capital One Arena. Washington has lost five straight games and 14 of their last 15 contests overall. The Wizards limp into the game with six players ruled out for the contest. New Orleans is relatively healthy but may play without star forward Zion Williamson.

Williamson appeared to injure his ankle late in the fourth quarter versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. He finished the game but didn't score another basket. If New Orleans decides to rest Zion, certainly Washington is the team to do it against. The Wizards are dead last in numerous defensive categories, including opponent points per game (126.3), opponent field goal percentage (50.5%), and total rebounds per game (39.0).

These teams have split the last six games over the past three years in this matchup. Despite the Wizards porous defense, they have, at times, been a dangerous offensive team. Washington ranks in the top ten for points per game, shooting percentage, and assists in the league. Kyle Kuzma leads the Wizards offense in scoring with 22.8 points a contest. Washington is just 1-7 at home this season.

If Williamson can play on Wednesday night, he should find success against a poor interior defense from the Wizards. Zion averages over 18 points per game in the paint, which ranks second in the NBA. Washington is second-to-last in the league in opponent's points scored in the paint (59.8). In the event that Williamson misses the game, then the Pels may feature Jonas Valanciunas heavily in this game. During New Orleans' victory over the Wizards on Jan 9. of last season, Valanciunas scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

The Pelicans need to get Brandon Ingram's shooting back on track. Over the last two games, Ingram is shooting just 33% from the field. Over the month of December, B.I. is shooting 42% from the field, far off from his season average of 48%. Wednesday night's game should give him the opportunity to get his shooting stroke back on track.

New Orleans is currently 4-7 on the road this year. During this current trip away from New Orleans, the three teams they play are a combined 13-54. The Pelicans have a solid chance to improve to .500 on the season on the road before heading back home. After the contest with the Wizards, the Pels travel to Charlotte before wrapping up their road trip in San Antonio on Sunday.