Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - November 24th, 2021 | NBA Season 2021-22
![The Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Pelicans will meet for the second time this season on Wednesday at the Smoothie King Center [Photo: Bullets Forever]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/11/cc769-16377523123524-1920.jpg?w=500)
The Washington Wizards start their Western Conference sojourn with a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday.
The Wizards are only 1-3 in their last four games after a five-game winning run. They’re hoping for another good streak, beginning with the game against the Pelicans.
Coach Wes Unseld Jr.’s team just fought the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets in a set of two mini-series games. They went 0-2 against the Hornets and drew 1-1 with the Heat. Facing one of the worst teams in the New Orleans Pelicans could be the respite they’ve been longing for.
The Washington Wizards have the fourth best Defensive Rating in the league sitting at (104.0).
If the season ended today it would be their highest in seven years – 2014-15 (103.0)
Only the Houston Rockets have a worse record than the Pelicans this season. Without Zion Williamson and with injuries to some of the players on their roster, the team have been struggling on all ends. Their anemic offense hasn’t worried many opposing defenses, while their own defense has been giving up too many points.
The New Orleans Pelicans gave the Washington Wizards a little scare before eventually losing. The Wizards could get over the hump this time if they play with precision, effort and attention to detail.
Washington Wizards Injury Report
Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant haven’t seen action for the Washington Wizards this season. They continue to be ruled out.
Joel Ayayi, Isaiah Todd and Cassius Winston are not traveling with the team. They have been assigned to the G-League.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Zion Williamson is the biggest name on the injury list for both teams. The New Orleans Pelicans still don’t have a definite timeline for his return.
After missing the last few games, Devonte’ Graham could be cleared to play. He’s been upgraded to questionable.
The Pelicans announce Zion Williamson has been cleared to participate in contact drills beginning with 1-on-1 workouts.
His next update will be on Nov. 24, which will determine if he can be available for full team workouts.
Daulton Hommes will be sidelined with a stress fracture, while Didi Louzada is under suspension for violating the NBA’s substance policy.
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted Lineups
Washington Wizards
![The Washington Wizards will lean on their defense again to hold off the New Orleans Pelicans [Photo: Fadeaway World]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/11/c074c-16377521121833-1920.jpg)
The Washington Wizards have surprised many this season mainly because of the performance of their starting unit. They should go with the Spencer Dinwiddie-Bradley Beal backcourt combo on Wednesday.
Former Lakers Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma are the designated forwards. Meanwhile, Daniel Gafford will resume his man-in-the-middle duties.
New Orleans Pelicans
Head coach Willie Green has been experimenting with his lineup to find the best starting unit. He could roll out the same starting five that played against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Josh Hart and Tomas Satoransky will be on the backcourt. Veteran Garrett Temple and star Brandon Ingram will be the forwards. Jonas Valanciunas, who has been the New Orleans Pelicans’ best player, will be the starting center.
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted Starting 5s
Washington Wizards
Point Guard - Spencer Dinwiddie | Shooting Guard - Bradley Beal | Small Forward - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Power Forward - Kyle Kuzma | Center - Daniel Gafford
New Orleans Pelicans
Point Guard - Josh Hart | Shooting Guard - Tomas Satoransky | Small Forward - Brandon Ingram | Power Forward - Garrett Temple | Center - Jonas Valanciunas