Opinion
3 min read

Pelicans Set to Cast a Spell on Wizards at Smoothie King Center

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to host the Washington Wizards at the Smoothie King Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying matchup. The Pelicans, coming off a nail-biting game against the Houston Rockets on December 24th where they narrowly lost by 2 points, are looking to bounce back and assert their dominance on their home court.


WASHINGTON, DC -? DECEMBER 13:  Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball during the game  on December 13, 2023 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

In that recent contest, despite falling short with a final score of 104-106, New Orleans showcased their resilience and ability to control the paint. They outperformed Houston in rebounds with a total of 55 compared to Rockets' 53 and dominated in points in the paint with an impressive tally of 58. However, turnovers were a thorn in their side as they gave up possession 16 times which translated into just five points off turnovers.


The Pelicans' performance against Memphis Grizzlies on December 20th was another testament to their offensive prowess. They managed an almost identical field goal percentage (47 percent) as they did against Houston but excelled from beyond the arc hitting 44 percent of three-point attempts. Their bench contributed significantly too, chipping in with 19 points.


WASHINGTON, DC -? DECEMBER 13:  Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket during the game on December 13, 2023 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

However, it's worth noting that NOP's efficiency game score took a slight dip from an impressive high against Cleveland Cavaliers on December 22nd where they scored an astounding victory (123-104), boasting an efficiency game score of over one hundred twelve point eight and shooting over fifty-five percent from the field.


Looking ahead at their upcoming clash with WAS, NOP fans should feel confident about their team's chances. The Wizards will have to contend not only with NOP’s formidable offense but also its tenacious defense which has been consistently blocking shots and stealing possessions across recent games.


WASHINGTON, DC -? DECEMBER 13:  Deni Avdija #8 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket during the game on December 13, 2023 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

The key for NOP will be maintaining offensive consistency while tightening up ball security; reducing turnovers will be crucial for capitalizing on each scoring opportunity. Additionally, sustaining energy levels throughout all four quarters will help prevent any late-game surges from WAS like those seen during previous matchups.


With home-court advantage and momentum swinging largely in favor of New Orleans Pelicans after some closely contested battles this season – including that hard-fought win over Cleveland – there is every reason for optimism among fans who eagerly await tip-off time.


Mark your calendars for February 14th when these two teams go head-to-head at Smoothie King Center starting at 7:00 PM CT. Fans can catch all the action live on BSNO or MNMT depending upon your locale; channel numbers are six hundred seventy-six dash four or six hundred forty-two respectively.

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