WASHINGTON, D.C. – One team enters Saturday riding the second-longest home winning streak in franchise history, a run of success that hasn’t been matched by it in over 40 years. The other has dropped four consecutive road games, all against Eastern Conference hosts, and is trying to remain within striking distance of postseason contention.
On paper, Saturday’s game between Washington (29-20, also winners of six straight overall) and visiting New Orleans (19-31) marks a formidable challenge for the Pelicans, as they try to salvage one victory on a three-game road trip. New Orleans has previously lost on this Eastern excursion at Toronto and Detroit, and now plays a Wizards club that is playing as well as anyone in that conference.