Improving Washington Wizards look to extend New Orleans Pelicans losing streak
Watch the Washington Wizards take on the New Orleans Pelicans, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena in the early hours of Thursday morning (1am)
Thursday 29 November 2018 04:43, UK
The Washington Wizards look to maintain their upturn in form and inflict a fifth consecutive defeat on the New Orleans Pelicans, live on Sky Sports Arena in the early hours of Thursday morning (1am).
Having established themselves as the most dysfunctional team in the NBA this season, the Wizards (8-12) appear to have finally sparked into life.
Reports of in-fighting, including a verbal altercation between coach Scott Brooks and All-Star point guard John Wall, were followed by further reports that the Wizards front office were willing to listen to trade offers for their entire roster.
Whether pride kicked in, or Wall and fellow All-Star Bradley Beal are simply now motivated to impress potential suitors, something has changed in the capital.
Impressive home wins were delivered against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Pelicans and the Houston Rockets, during which Wall and Beal combined for 68 points. Despite a road loss to the Toronto Raptors, it was a far more encouraging week.
Live NBA: Washington @ New Orleans
Given the Wizards' talent advantage over a number of their Eastern conference rivals, a play-off place is still very much attainable, but whether the franchise's behind-the-scenes problems are over remains to be seen.
The Pelicans (10-11) have been a team of streaks. After winning their first four games, six losses followed, before another six wins in their next seven put them back on track.
However, four more losses have followed and with Anthony Davis' future hanging over them, each loss will be a source of more panic for the organisation.
A hip injury kept Davis out of the Pelicans' loss to the Wizards in Washington on Saturday, but worryingly the team's performance didn't improve two days later in a home loss to the Boston Celtics.
It was only a second home defeat of the season for Alvin Gentry's side and they will still pose a formidable challenge for the Wizards at the Smoothie King Center.
Key Battle: John Wall v Jrue Holiday
Wall exploded to life last week with his first two 30-point games of the season, but will be hard-pushed to extend that streak against Holiday.
Perhaps the league's best defender in his position, Holiday will wholeheartedly embrace the challenge of slowing down Wall.
The Pelicans guard will have some additional motivation after managing just 16 points in Washington on Saturday and the return of Davis should provide him with extra space to operate in.
Last time out
Numbers game
118.2 - The Pelicans' average points per game is the fourth-highest mark in the league.
While the Wizards have begun to look more cohesive on the offensive end, they are still prone to defensive lapses.
The Pelicans, who average an even better 122 points per game at home, will punish any openings.
One to watch (Wizards): Markieff Morris
Part of the Wizards' improvement has been down to a lineup change that saw Markieff Morris dropped to the bench, intended to allow the team to play with more pace.
The 29-year-old has embraced his altered role is actually playing more minutes than he was as a member of the starting five and has been on the court for the closing minutes of all three of the Wizards' recent victories.
Since being benched he has averaged 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds, a significant improvement from his overall season averages of 11.1 and 5.0.
With depth and bench scoring often a problem for the Pelicans, Morris's influence could be crucial.
One to watch (Pelicans): Anthony Davis
Having missed the previous meeting between the two sides, Davis will be keen to make his presence felt.
The 25-year-old's importance to the Pelicans is highlighted by his averages of 27 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.7 blocks per game this season.
The Pelicans have lost on all four of the occasions he has been absent this campaign and the right hip issue that ruled him out on Saturday remains a concern.
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