In what could be one of the most encouraging signs of the season, the Wizards beat the New Orleans Pelicans on the road with Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma having crummy offensive games, and Kristaps Porzingis out of action with an ankle injury. Leading the way for Washington: the 24-and-under group of Daniel Gafford, Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert — with considerable help from old man Taj Gibson.
For the Wizards, it was their fifth straight win over an above-.500 team. The Pelicans are reeling. It was their seventh straight loss and 10th in 13 games since Zion Williamson strained his hamstring.