Pelicans vs Washington Prediction 17 October 2026
🏀 The New Orleans Pelicans host the Washington Wizards in an NBA preseason clash. The Pelicans come into this matchup riding high after a convincing stretch of road games. Meanwhile, the revamped visitors are working to build chemistry and tighten up their defense following the arrival of several new leaders. Historically, head-to-head meetings between these teams have been high-scoring affairs, and this exhibition is expected to follow suit.
Head-to-Head
📊New Orleans have dominated the head-to-head, winning each of the last five meetings. Their most recent clash took place on 08 March 2026 at the Pelicans’ home court, where they cruised to a 138-118 victory.
Head-to-head statistics Pelicans - Washington
New Orleans: Defensive Progress Amid Offensive Inconsistency
The Pelicans head into this matchup coming off a hard-fought win over Dallas, where they finally showcased some real defense for the first time this preseason. After conceding 110 and 128 points to Oklahoma City and Miami, Mosley's squad held the Mavericks to just 97 - exactly the kind of defensive performance their defense-minded new coach has been demanding. The franchise centerpiece remains Williamson, who reported to training camp in decent shape (though, to be fair, that's something the organization claims every year).
Against Dallas, Zion came off the bench and logged 18 minutes. If Davis sits out for the Wizards, the Pelicans’ big man should have a clear edge in the paint. Still, it’s Fierce who has been the breakout star of New Orleans’ preseason. He dropped 16 points, dished out 5 assists, and notched 3 steals in just 20 minutes against the Mavericks, hitting 2 of his 3 attempts from deep. Quinn added 11 rebounds, further cementing his status as one of the league’s top young bigs. Offense remains a concern for New Orleans. In the game versus Miami, Zion and Murphy III combined for a low scoring output on inefficient shooting. On top of that, Murray is still sidelined, leaving the Pelicans without a reliable playmaker at point guard.
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans
Washington: experience, depth, and a fragile defense
The Wizards head into this matchup having won two of their three preseason games, notching victories over New York and Detroit while falling to Brooklyn. The club made headlines with one of their most eventful offseasons in recent years. Young, Davis, Ayton, and Middleton bring the much-needed experience, while top draft pick Dibanza, alongside Sarr, George, and Johnson, form a solid young core.
Young and Davis were rested against the Nets, but both are expected to feature against the Pelicans. Davis showed his defensive anchor potential against Detroit, posting 10 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes - assuming he can stay healthy, of course. Young has tallied 19 assists over his last two outings but also committed 13 turnovers, highlighting some growing pains as he adapts to a new system. On a brighter note, George impressed by dropping 21 points on Brooklyn and hitting all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. His versatility and efficiency make him a key piece of the rotation heading into the regular season. However, the franchise’s defense remains a concern, having allowed Brooklyn to shoot 57% from the field.
Match Results: Washington Wizards
Total Points Prediction
In head-to-head matchups, the home side averages 105.5 points per game, while the visitors put up 104.3. Over their last ten outings, New Orleans have averaged just 99.7 points (a mere 86.5 at home), whereas Washington are at 104.9 (exactly 100 on the road). Notably, the Wizards have failed to surpass the 117.5-point mark in seven of their last eight NBA games. With that in mind, a well-founded prediction would be to back Washington’s individual total under 117.5 at odds of 1.66.
Match Outcome Prediction
These teams have faced off 37 times: the hosts have claimed 17 wins, while the visitors have come out on top in 20 encounters. New Orleans have covered the +1.5 spread at home in 7 of their last 8 head-to-head games. The Pelicans have also beaten this handicap in each of the previous six meetings between the sides. Back the hosts to win with a +1.5 handicap at odds of 1.96.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Neither side is known for elite defense. The Pelicans have conceded 110 and 128 points in their first two games, while the Wizards allowed 131 against Brooklyn. In this final preseason clash, both teams are expected to give significant minutes to their deep bench, which should push the pace and boost the scoring. With players wary of injuries, defensive intensity is likely to drop even further. That’s why we recommend looking at the over 228 total points market.
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