Pelicans beat Wizards in preseason finale

The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Washington Wizards in their preseason finale, closing a slate that offered new coach Jamahl Mosley a chance to evaluate rotations before the regular season. Before the game, key questions included how Mosley would balance ballhandling and wing minutes, whether rookie Jeremiah Fears could organize the offense as well as score, and whether the defense could build on its showing against Dallas. New Orleans had beaten the Mavericks 101-97, but Dallas was missing several key players, limiting what the result revealed. The preseason performances provided encouraging signs, while leaving lineup and role decisions to be settled.