Wizards Look to Build on Encouraging Preseason vs. Pelicans

The Washington Wizards wrap up their preseason on the road tonight, taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at 8:00 PM ET.

The preseason has offered a light into some potential strengths and weaknesses for the Wizards in 2026.

Here’s what to watch for in the final tune up before the regular season:

Turnovers

Washington has turned the ball over 69 times through the first three games. The first half of the last game against Brooklyn saw a step forward, but the third quarter skewed the numbers in a negative direction.

Head coach Brian Keefe told reporters postgame he wasn’t concerned with a lot of turnovers because it was his team attempting to make the right play.

“I think when you're seeing people playing in crowds where they shouldn't or trying to force things for themselves, those are the ones you don't want,” Keefe said on Wednesday. “You would never want those. The ones where we're trying to make the right play and make the right pass, and maybe the timings is off with the chemistry on someone, either on a roll or maybe the spacing; Those things you can clean up over time.”

A good amount of Washington’s turnovers have come on entry passes or lobs, which may be ironed out over time. Against New Orleans, how Washington takes care of the ball is something to monitor.

“We were trying to make the right plays, but we're learning that chemistry that we've got,” Keefe said. “It’s going to take a little time.”

Defensive Physicality 

Washington’s defense allowed 73 points in the first half against Brooklyn, albeit without Anthony Davis on the floor. Still, Keefe believed the Wizards lacked physicality on that end in that first half.

He credited the team picking it up in that department in the second half, leading to an improved output.

It’s uncertain whether Davis will play, but it could be something to monitor regardless. Davis missed Monday’s game with scheduled rest.

“I think guys will play a little bit more and longer into their stretches,” Keefe said on Thursday. 

If that’s the case, at least Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton should play plenty of minutes, which is a big part of their front court defense whether Davis is playing or not.

Also, Khris Middleton’s status for the game is still to be determined. Keefe only offered that he is “trending in the right direction.”

Felix Okapara Minutes

Unlike the last few years in Washington, it won’t be easy for its second round pick to get minutes at the NBA level.

Washington acquired Felix Okpara via trade on the second night of the draft. Seen as a prospect with significant work needed development wise, he’s had a couple memorable moments this preseason.

His late minutes against Detroit helped Washington steal the game late. He scored eight points, grabbed five rebounds, and accumulated four combined blocks and steals.

The final preseason game could be a final look at Okpara playing NBA minutes for a period of time, as he seems like a strong candidate to get developmental time with the Capital City Go-Go.

The Wizards’ preseason concludes tonight, as they then prepare to open the season at home on Oct. 21 against the Milwaukee Bucks.