New Orleans Pelicans host Washington Wizards in early NBA season clash

NBA round one action at Smoothie King Center

On Saturday, 17 October 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans welcome the Washington Wizards to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans for an NBA matchup kicking off at 00:00 UTC. The game marks an important early-season fixture as both teams look to improve their standings and gain an edge in the competitive league.

Standings and recent form

New Orleans currently sit sixth in the standings after three games, with two wins and one loss. They have scored and conceded an equal 335 points, reflecting a balanced but competitive start. Their recent form over five matches shows two wins and three losses, including a narrow 101-97 victory away at the Dallas Mavericks on 15 October and a 116-110 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on 7 October. However, defensive challenges remain as they have conceded an average of 122.2 points per game.

Washington Wizards share a similar recent record with two wins and three losses from their last five games. Their offense has produced an average of 116.2 points per game, slightly higher than New Orleans, but their defence has allowed 123.6 points per game, reflecting some defensive frailties. Their latest results include a 111-109 away win over the New York Knicks on 8 October and a 114-108 home win against Detroit Pistons on 10 October. They will be looking to build on these wins and reduce defensive lapses.

Head-to-head record

The only meeting between these teams this season came on 8 March 2026 at the Smoothie King Center, where New Orleans secured a comprehensive 138-118 victory over Washington. That 20-point margin highlights the Pelicans' capability to dominate at home and could be a psychological advantage going into this match. Washington will be keen to avenge that defeat and prove their progress since then.

What to expect and where to watch

This encounter could be tightly contested given both teams' similar recent form and league positions. New Orleans might look to leverage their home court advantage and high-scoring potential, while Washington could focus on tightening their defence and capitalising on their offensive efficiency. Fans in the United States can catch all the live action on MNMT, ensuring they don't miss a moment of this intriguing NBA fixture.

Where the teams stand

Recent form

Head-to-head