The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.

The Pelicans (10-9) have kept scoreboards running hot this season with their prolific offense, but often, their defense hasn't been able to prevent opponents from keeping pace. New Orleans' most recent loss, a 114-109 defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks on Friday night that was their second consecutive defeat, saw them blow a nine-point lead with six minutes remaining. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with a 33-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists, despite leaving the game for a time with a quadriceps injury. Jrue Holiday followed with 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Nikola Mirotic totaled 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Julius Randle paced the bench with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.

The Pelicans will be without Elfrid Payton (finger) once again Saturday night.

The Wizards (6-12) have endured a forgettable season overall, and whatever glimmer of momentum they may have had with a recent comeback win over the Clippers was extinguished in a 125-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Bradley Beal led the way with 20 points and added six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Otto Porter, Jr. provided 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Markieff Morris led the bench with 16 points. Kelly Oubre ,Jr. supplied 13 points, six rebounds and one assist in a spot start, while John Wall churned out an 11-point, 11-assist double-double.

The Wizards will likely list Dwight Howard (lower body) as questionable at best for Saturday's game.

Washington swept the two-game series between the clubs during the 2017-18 campaign.