Pelicans Defeat Wizards 138-118 at Home
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans 138, Washington Wizards 118, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans beat Washington Wizards 138-118 at Smoothie King Center on March 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -535 (about 84% implied). The favorite won.
The New Orleans Pelicans secured a decisive victory over the Washington Wizards, finishing the game with a score of 138-118 at the Smoothie King Center. This win marked the Pelicans' third consecutive victory over the Wizards this season, as they have now won all three meetings, demonstrating a strong advantage in their head-to-head series. The Pelicans now hold a series record of 3-0 against the Wizards across the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
In terms of recent form, the Pelicans had a mixed performance leading up to this game, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They entered the matchup on a one-game losing streak after falling to the Phoenix Suns, 116-118, the day before. Despite this setback, the Pelicans averaged 117.9 points scored and allowed 119.3 points over their last ten games. At home, their record stood at 2-2 over the last ten games, with an average of 116.4 points scored and 118.6 points allowed in their last five outings.
The Wizards, on the other hand, have struggled significantly, entering the game with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and on a seven-game losing streak. Their recent performances have seen them average 112.6 points scored while allowing a high 124.0 points per game. The Wizards have not won a game in their last five attempts, with an average of 112.0 points scored and 126.2 points allowed.
When it comes to home versus away performance, the Pelicans have been more effective at home, while the Wizards have struggled on the road, holding a 0-4 record in their last four away games. This disparity in performance likely contributed to the Pelicans' confidence heading into the matchup.
Injury concerns played a role in the game, with the Pelicans missing Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens, both listed as day-to-day. The Wizards were without Jamir Watkins, who was ruled out due to a knee injury, while Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis, and Trae Young were all listed as day-to-day with various injuries.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pelicans favored by 11.5 points with a total set at 244.5. The moneyline odds indicated a strong belief in a Pelicans victory, with New Orleans at -535. The Wizards were listed at +400 on the moneyline, reflecting their underdog status in this matchup.
The conditions for the game were typical for a late-season NBA matchup, and fans could expect high-paced basketball with plenty of scoring opportunities. Viewers were treated to a variety of scoring plays, including a driving layup by Micah Peavy and a three-point jumper by Karlo Matkovic, both showcasing the Pelicans' offensive depth.
Overall, the Pelicans' ability to maintain control throughout the game and capitalize on their scoring opportunities proved crucial in their victory over the Wizards, reinforcing their dominance in this season's series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -11.5 | 244.5 o -110 / u -110 | Washington Wizards +400 · New Orleans Pelicans -535 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Jamir WatkinsOutKneeWashington Wizards
- Alex SarrDay-To-DayFootWashington Wizards
- Anthony DavisDay-To-DayFingerWashington Wizards
- Trae YoungDay-To-DayQuadricepsWashington Wizards
Leaders
- PointsTrey Murphy III24New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsJeremiah Fears7New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsSaddiq Bey10New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsTre Johnson20Washington Wizards
- AssistsTrae Young8Washington Wizards
- ReboundsJulian Reese9Washington Wizards
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1117.9 scored · 119.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L116-118at Phoenix SunsMar 7
- W133-123at Sacramento KingsMar 6
- L101-110at Los Angeles LakersMar 4
- L117-137at LA ClippersMar 2
- W115-105at Utah JazzMar 1
- W129-118at Utah JazzFeb 27
- W113-109vs Golden State WarriorsFeb 25
- W126-111vs Philadelphia 76ersFeb 22
- L118-139vs Milwaukee BucksFeb 21
- L111-123vs Miami HeatFeb 12
Washington Wizards
Last 10: 2-8Streak L7112.6 scored · 124 allowed per game0-4 away
- L112-122vs Utah JazzMar 6
- L109-126at Orlando MagicMar 4
- L118-123vs Houston RocketsMar 3
- L125-134vs Toronto RaptorsMar 1
- L96-126at Atlanta HawksFeb 27
- L98-119at Atlanta HawksFeb 25
- L112-129vs Charlotte HornetsFeb 22
- W131-118vs Indiana PacersFeb 21
- W112-105vs Indiana PacersFeb 20
- L113-138at Cleveland CavaliersFeb 12
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Washington Wizards | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 41-91 | 47-89 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 14-42 | 7-23 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 30 |
| Free throws | 22-27 | 37-47 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 32 |
| Assists | 27 | 25 |
| Steals | 2 | 11 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 26 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 22 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 72 |
| Fouls | 31 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 28 | 67 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter89-95Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter91-95Jaden Hardy makes 13-foot driving floating jump shot (Bub Carrington assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-98Derik Queen makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-100Jeremiah Fears makes running layup (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-102Bryce McGowens makes 1-foot running dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 3rd Quarter92-102Julian Reese makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter93-102Julian Reese makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-103Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-104Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-104Jaden Hardy makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter95-107Jeremiah Fears makes 28-foot three point jumper (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter97-107Will Riley makes 2-foot layup (Julian Reese assists)
- 4th Quarter97-109Derik Queen makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter99-109Anthony Gill makes 9-foot pullup jump shot (Jaden Hardy assists)
- 4th Quarter99-112Trey Murphy III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter99-115Trey Murphy III makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter99-117Saddiq Bey makes driving layup (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter99-119Derik Queen makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter99-121Saddiq Bey makes running layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter102-121Bilal Coulibaly makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bub Carrington assists)
- 4th Quarter102-123Saddiq Bey makes 9-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-123Julian Reese makes layup
- 4th Quarter106-123Jaden Hardy makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-125Derik Queen makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter106-127Saddiq Bey makes layup (DeAndre Jordan assists)
- 4th Quarter106-128Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-129Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-129Will Riley makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter108-129Will Riley makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter109-129Will Riley makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter109-131Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter112-131Leaky Black makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sharife Cooper assists)
- 4th Quarter112-133Jordan Hawkins makes 21-foot jumper (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter114-133Will Riley makes 3-foot running dunk (Jaden Hardy assists)
- 4th Quarter115-133Jaden Hardy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-136Karlo Matkovic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter116-136Sharife Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-138Micah Peavy makes driving layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter117-138Sharife Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-138Sharife Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Washington Wizards.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance16698
- OfficialsJames Capers, Derrick Collins, Danielle Scott
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