Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 8 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/08/2026, 01:20 AM ET

The Washington Wizards travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Sunday evening at the Smoothie King Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM with the game broadcast on MNMT. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season but will be looking to pick up a win as the regular season continues. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. For more analysis and daily betting insights, be sure to check out our free NBA picks.

Wizards Hoping to End Losing Streak

Washington enters this matchup with a 16-46 overall record and a difficult 5-24 record on the road. The Wizards have struggled throughout the season and are currently looking to break a lengthy losing streak. In their last five games, Washington has recently lost to Utah 122-112, recently lost to Orlando 126-109, recently lost to Houston 123-118, recently lost to Toronto 134-125, and recently lost to Atlanta 126-96.

The Wizards average 112.2 points per game while allowing 123.0 points per contest. Washington shoots 46 percent from the field and averages 25.0 assists per game, showing some offensive capability despite their struggles. They also average 43.0 rebounds per contest while contributing 5.9 blocks and 8.0 steals per game.

One of Washington’s biggest challenges this season has been their defense. Allowing 123 points per game makes it extremely difficult to compete consistently, especially against teams capable of scoring efficiently. If the Wizards want to stay competitive in this matchup, they will need to improve their defensive effort and limit easy scoring opportunities.

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Pelicans Looking for Offensive Consistency

New Orleans enters this contest with a 20-45 overall record and an 11-21 home record. The Pelicans have had an inconsistent season but have still shown flashes of offensive potential in several games. In their last five contests, New Orleans has recently lost to Phoenix 118-116, recently won over Sacramento 133-123, recently lost to Los Angeles Lakers 110-101, recently lost to LA Clippers 137-117, and recently won over Utah 115-105.

The Pelicans average 115.1 points per game while allowing 120.2 points per contest. New Orleans shoots 46 percent from the field and averages 25.2 assists per game. They also collect 43.9 rebounds per contest while contributing 5.0 blocks and 8.8 steals per game defensively.

One of the Pelicans’ strengths has been their ability to generate offense when the pace increases. With multiple players capable of scoring, New Orleans can produce high scoring totals when their offense is clicking. However, their defensive struggles have often made it difficult to hold onto leads.

Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans Pick

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans enters this matchup with the stronger offensive numbers and should benefit from playing at home. The Pelicans average over 115 points per game and have shown the ability to score in bunches when their offense gets rolling.

Washington’s defensive struggles have been a major issue throughout the season. Allowing 123 points per game puts them at a disadvantage against most opponents. If the Pelicans are able to push the pace and generate scoring opportunities early, they should be able to build enough separation to cover the spread.

Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans Total Pick

Over #

I like the over in this matchup because both teams have struggled defensively throughout the season. Washington allows over 123 points per game while New Orleans allows more than 120 points per contest.

When two teams with defensive struggles meet, the pace often increases and scoring opportunities become easier to create. With both offenses capable of producing points, this matchup has the potential to become a high-scoring game.

Final Score Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans 122, Washington Wizards 115

This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Saturday.