The Washington Wizards are coming fresh off a blowout win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
Washington enters this matchup 1-0 in 2025, and they have the opportunity to add another win to the New Year and turn their luck around leaving the struggles of 2024 in the past. And while that sounds great, this game is bigger than just adding another win to their records.
While winning is the ultimate goal, Washington's rough start to the season has put them out of contention for not only the postseason, but even a play-in spot seems very far fetched. With a 6-25 record, the Wizards possibility of earning the No. 1 pick has continues to increase throughout the team's struggles.
However, with Washington stacking up three wins over the last couple of weeks, the team doesn't sit in the driver seat for the top overall selection with the Pelicans now sitting with a league worst record at 5-29.
With the 6-25 Wizards set to battle the struggling Pelicans who are 4-14 at home, this game could go either way. Nonetheless, if Washington does hope to continue stacking wins, here's 3 keys for Brian Keefe's squad to steal a victory on the road.
Get Jordan Poole going early
Jordan Poole has been on a terror over the last few games. Even after returning from a hip injury in the Wizards last game against the Bulls, the Michigan product still managed to lead the team to a win doing what he does best, scoring.
If Washington hopes to improve to 2-13 on the road, they'll need to get their top scoring option going early.
Feed Jonas Valanciunas in his return
Jonas Valanciunas signed with the Wizards in free agency. Prior to joining Washington, the big man spent multiple seasons in New Orleans with the Pelicans. With the center returning to the team that ultimately decided to go a different direction in the offseason, the 32-year-old could be poised for a big revenge game.
Whether he leaves his impact on the boards or in the post as a scorer, Valanciunas needs to be involved in this matchup.
Rely on Alex Sarr to step up
Alex Sarr was announced as the NBA Rookie of the Month for December yesterday. Entering off the best month of his young career could be a reason to rely on the reigning No. 2 pick to use his growing confidence and attack a Pelicans front court that struggles defending, especially against lengthy players like Sarr.