NBA · Final

Pelicans Edge Wizards in Nail-Biter Finish

Washington Wizards2-2

106

New Orleans Pelicans3-1

107

Friday, October 16, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

New Orleans Pelicans 107, Washington Wizards 106, 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 107-106 at Smoothie King Center on October 16, 2026.

Who was favored in Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans?

New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The favorite won.

In a thrilling contest at the Smoothie King Center, the New Orleans Pelicans narrowly defeated the Washington Wizards with a final score of 107-106. This victory marks the Pelicans' fourth win in five games this season, improving their record to 3-1, while the Wizards fall to 2-2 after a tough battle.

The match showcased a tightly contested game, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Pelicans, who have struggled at home with a record of 1-2 in their last three home games, managed to secure this crucial win against the Wizards, who have had a challenging time on the road, holding a 1-3 away record. New Orleans came into the game on a one-game winning streak, having previously defeated the Dallas Mavericks 101-97, while the Wizards were looking to bounce back after a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

In terms of scoring, the Pelicans averaged 116.4 points per game over their last ten outings, but they have also allowed an average of 122.9 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. The Wizards, on the other hand, have averaged 116.9 points but have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 129.2 points during the same stretch. This game reflected those trends, as both teams found themselves in a high-scoring affair.

The matchup was particularly noteworthy as it was the first of a four-game series between these two teams this season, with the Pelicans having won both previous meetings in 2026. Earlier this year, they triumphed 138-118 at home and 128-107 on the road against the Wizards, establishing a clear advantage in their head-to-head record.

Injury concerns played a role in the game, with the Pelicans' Dejounte Murray listed as day-to-day due to a toe issue. The Wizards were without two key players, Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins, who were both ruled out due to injuries, while AJ Dybantsa was also day-to-day with an ankle injury. These absences likely impacted the Wizards' performance, especially in a close game where depth can be crucial.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pelicans favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 230.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but New Orleans ultimately managed to cover the spread with their narrow victory.

The game conditions were typical for a late October evening in New Orleans, with the atmosphere electric as fans filled the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage was evident, as they fought hard to secure the win.

As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the tension mounted. Key scoring plays included a driving layup by Bryce McGowens, who also made a free throw to bring the Wizards within one point late in the game. Alondes Williams contributed significantly with a turnaround jump shot that kept the score close, but it was Jaron Pierre Jr.'s free throws that ultimately sealed the victory for the Pelicans.

Fans watching the game witnessed a thrilling finish, with both teams demonstrating resilience and determination. The Pelicans' ability to hold off the Wizards in the final moments showcased their fighting spirit, while the Wizards' near comeback highlighted their potential to challenge opponents. The Pelicans will look to build on this win as they continue their season, while the Wizards will aim to regroup and find their footing in the upcoming games.

What we said beforehand

The upcoming NBA game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards promises to be an intriguing clash, as both teams enter the matchup with identical records of 2-1. This contest will take place at the Smoothie King Center on October 17, 2026, and it marks the beginning of their series, which will continue with additional games later in the season.

The Pelicans recently secured a victory against the Dallas Mavericks, winning 101-97, which has given them a slight boost in confidence. However, their previous outings were mixed, with losses against the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Over their last five games, the Pelicans have a record of 2-3, averaging 115.8 points scored while allowing 122.2 points. Their overall home record stands at 1-2, indicating they have struggled to capitalize on home court advantage.

On the other side, the Wizards are also coming off a win against the Detroit Pistons, where they triumphed 114-108. Despite this, they have faced challenges in their recent games, suffering losses to the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their last five games have resulted in a 2-3 record, with an average of 116.2 points scored and 123.6 points allowed. The Wizards have a home record of 1-5 and an away record of 1-3, reflecting their difficulties in both settings.

In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Pelicans have had the upper hand against the Wizards this season, winning both previous meetings. The most recent encounter took place on March 8, 2026, where the Pelicans won decisively with a score of 138-118. Earlier in the season, they also defeated the Wizards 128-107 on January 10, 2026. This history could play a psychological role as the teams face off again.

Injury concerns could also impact the game significantly. The Pelicans are dealing with the day-to-day status of Dejounte Murray, who is nursing a toe injury. For the Wizards, Khris Middleton and Anthony Davis are both listed as day-to-day due to rest, while Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are out with hip and knee injuries, respectively. The absence or limited availability of key players could influence the strategies employed by both teams.

The betting market has set the odds for this matchup with the Pelicans favored by 1.5 points, according to DraftKings. The total points line is set at 229.5, with over odds at -115.0 and under odds at -105.0. This suggests a competitive game is expected, with both teams capable of putting up significant points.

As the game approaches, viewers should keep an eye on how both teams adapt to their injury situations and whether the Pelicans can continue their winning streak against the Wizards. The performance of key players, particularly those who may be stepping up in the absence of injured teammates, will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	NO -1.5	230.5 o -108 / u -112	Washington Wizards +102 · New Orleans Pelicans -122

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Dejounte MurrayDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
AJ DybantsaDay-To-DayAnkleWashington Wizards
Tristan VukcevicOutHipWashington Wizards
Jamir WatkinsOutKneeWashington Wizards

Leaders

PointsSaddiq Bey19New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsJeremiah Fears5New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsYves Missi7New Orleans Pelicans
PointsAnthony Davis14Washington Wizards
AssistsTrae Young7Washington Wizards
ReboundsAnthony Davis11Washington Wizards

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 3-7Streak W1116.4 scored · 122.9 allowed per game1-2 at home

W101-97at Dallas MavericksOct 15
L118-128at Miami HeatOct 8
W116-110at Oklahoma City ThunderOct 7
L126-132at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 13
L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4
L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
L102-134vs Houston RocketsMar 29

Washington Wizards

Last 10: 2-8Streak L1116.9 scored · 129.2 allowed per game1-3 away

L122-131vs Brooklyn NetsOct 12
W114-108vs Detroit PistonsOct 10
W111-109at New York KnicksOct 8
L117-130at Cleveland CavaliersApr 12
L117-140vs Miami HeatApr 10
L108-119vs Chicago BullsApr 9
L98-129vs Chicago BullsApr 7
L115-121at Brooklyn NetsApr 5
L136-152at Miami HeatApr 4
L131-153vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 1

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Atlanta	-	1	W4	.800	4
Orlando	0.5	1	W2	.750	3
Miami	1	2	L1	.600	3
Washington	1.5	2	L2	.500	2
Charlotte	2.5	3	L2	.250	1
Memphis	-	1	W2	.750	3
New Orleans	-	1	W2	.750	3
Houston	0.5	1	W1	.667	2
San Antonio	1.5	3	W2	.400	2
Dallas	2	3	L2	.250	1

Box score

Stat	Washington Wizards	New Orleans Pelicans
Field goals	36-91	43-99
Field goal %	40	43
Three-pointers	12-41	7-36
Three-point %	29	19
Free throws	22-31	14-16
Free throw %	71	88
Rebounds	51	48
Offensive rebounds	16	14
Defensive rebounds	35	34
Assists	21	28
Steals	10	15
Blocks	10	6
Turnovers	23	16
Team turnovers	0	2
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	23	22
Fast-break points	13	22
Points in the paint	42	62
Fouls	21	27
Largest lead	4	14
Lead changes	3	3
Time in front	4	87

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter68-75Saddiq Bey makes running layup (Derik Queen assists)
3rd Quarter68-76Bennedict Mathurin makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter68-77Bennedict Mathurin makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter68-79Karlo Matkovic makes 2-foot running dunk (Saddiq Bey assists)
3rd Quarter68-80Jordan Poole makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter68-81Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter70-81Deandre Ayton makes alley oop dunk (Khris Middleton assists)
4th Quarter72-81Alex Sarr makes alley oop layup (Khris Middleton assists)
4th Quarter74-81Will Riley makes driving layup (Bilal Coulibaly assists)
4th Quarter74-84Jordan Poole makes 29-foot three point jumper (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter76-84Khris Middleton makes 3-foot two point shot
4th Quarter76-86Saddiq Bey makes tip in dunk
4th Quarter76-88Bennedict Mathurin makes two point shot (Jordan Poole assists)
4th Quarter78-88Alex Sarr makes two point shot
4th Quarter78-90Bennedict Mathurin makes 22-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter78-92Bennedict Mathurin makes running layup (Saddiq Bey assists)
4th Quarter80-92Khris Middleton makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Will Riley assists)
4th Quarter82-92Will Riley makes 2-foot driving dunk (Khris Middleton assists)
4th Quarter83-92Will Riley makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter85-92Chris Livingston makes two point shot
4th Quarter85-94Trendon Watford makes driving layup (Bryce McGowens assists)
4th Quarter85-96Trendon Watford makes running layup
4th Quarter86-96Will Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter87-96Will Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter87-98Julian Reese makes two point shot (Jaron Pierre Jr. assists)
4th Quarter90-98Will Riley makes 26-foot three pointer (Chris Livingston assists)
4th Quarter91-98Will Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter91-100Bryce McGowens makes driving layup
4th Quarter91-102AJ Johnson makes running layup
4th Quarter94-102Trevor Keels makes 26-foot three point jumper (Reece Beekman assists)
4th Quarter97-102Trevor Keels makes 25-foot three pointer (Felix Okpara assists)
4th Quarter99-102Felix Okpara makes tip shot
4th Quarter99-104Bryce McGowens makes driving layup
4th Quarter99-105Bryce McGowens makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter101-105Chris Livingston makes tip shot
4th Quarter102-105Alondes Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter103-105Alondes Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter103-106Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter103-107Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-107Alondes Williams makes 24-foot turnaround jump shot (Reece Beekman assists)