Washington
Wizards
Spread
+1.5
NBA Predictions
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans Predictions
Friday, October 16, 2026 at 8:00pm EST at Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
@
New Orleans
Pelicans
Spread
-1.5
50%
50%
Spread
Washington Wizards +1.5
New Orleans Pelicans -1.5
Moneyline
Washington Wizards +102
New Orleans Pelicans -122
Total
Over 230.5 (-108)
Under 230.5 (-112)
Professional Picks
3 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: Pass With Lineups Unconfirmed
Analysis updated October 16, 2026 at 7:26 AM CDT
The Wizards are the likelier winner, but their projected rotation is too uncertain to justify the -130 price.
Washington’s rotation could decide the price
Washington is a -130 road favorite for Friday’s preseason finale, with New Orleans at +110. The Wizards also lay 2.5 points, and the total is 230.5. Both teams enter 2-1, according to Fubo News, but preseason records offer limited betting value when rotations can change shortly before tipoff.
Wizards Roundtable reported that Washington coach Brian Keefe expects rotational players to receive more minutes. That favors the Wizards, but Hoops Nightly lists Anthony Davis and Khris Middleton as day-to-day for rest. Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are out, and the projected starters won’t be confirmed until about 30 minutes before the game. Those unknowns make Washington difficult to back at -130.
Pelicans have their own availability question
New Orleans guard Dejounte Murray is day-to-day with a right toe issue, according to Hoops Nightly. Fubo News lists Murray as the Pelicans’ preseason assists leader at 6.0 per game, so his status matters for an offense already priced as the underdog.
Washington is the likelier winner because Keefe plans to extend his rotation, but that edge depends on who is cleared to play. Pass on both the moneyline and spread unless the final lineups remove the uncertainty without making the price less favorable.
Pick
Washington Wizards
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass