The New Orleans Pelicans will return home for the first time this year as they take on the rebuilding but confident Washington Wizards.

It will also be another return to the city for former Pelicans star Anthony Davis. It’s been a while since he left New Orleans, but the vibe still shifts when he enters the game.

The Wizards have been bad in the past, but they have Davis and Trae Young now on top of the addition of AJ Dybantsa. This will likely be the toughest competition the Pelicans have faced this preseason, given that they are still implementing things and really working on their fit.

As for New Orleans, it’s their final chance to get a look at how things are rolling under Jamahl Mosley. With how much they have had to accomplish since training camp began, every minute of prep matters.

Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off on Friday:

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)

Streaming: Pelicans+
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM

Moneyline: WSH -130
Spread: WSH -1.5
Over/Under: 229.5

Pelicans: G Dejounte Murray, G Herb Jones, F Trey Murphy III, F Zion Williamson, C Yves Missi

That's who started last game, but Jamahl Mosley has switched it up each time.

Wizards: G Trae Young, G/F AJ Dybantsa, F Kyshawn George, F/C Anthony Davis, F/C Alex Sarr

Continued improvement on defense.

It would be fair to say that while still not perfect, New Orleans’ defense has improved with each passing game. That’s the expectation. Mosley has asked his players for effort, and they’ve given it to him. As they implement the defensive system and break old habits, it should continue to get better.

Who Jamahl Mosley ends up starting this time.

As mentioned above, Mosley has tinkered with the starting lineup each game. While there’s still a chance they roll out the expected lineup on opening night (Murray/Jones/Murphy/Williamson/Missi), this is the last chance for someone to make a real impact on the decision making.

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