Washington Wizards’ Next Five Games Could Determine Fate of Season
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards have put themselves in an early hole and the next five games could determine their fate for the 2016-17 season.
It’s rare that a team’s fate could be determined in mid-November.
The Washington Wizards have lost seven of their first nine games, putting themselves in an early season hole that they must dig themselves out of soon if they want to get back into the NBA Playoffs.
Currently, the Philadelphia 76ers are the only worse team in the Eastern Conference, sporting a 1-8 record.
Washington failed to capitalize on opportunities against the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic, so while the next five games might seem “winnable” on paper, the Wizards have done nothing to prove that they’ll come prepared.
Plus, the Wizards are currently the weakest team on every opponents’ schedule, so they’re just as beatable as the following teams.
Nov. 16: @ Philadelphia 76ers
Losing to the Sixers would be an absolute dagger. It’s easy to remain optimistic and say “it’s still too early,” but a loss to Philadelphia is irreversible.
There won’t be much momentum to be gained with a win over the Sixers, but it’s still a win that the Wizards desperately need in the “w” column.
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To their credit, the Sixers have played more team-oriented basketball this season now that they’ve acquired a number of veterans, including known Wizards killer Gerald Henderson.
Rookie Joel Embiid has also shown to be worth the long wait, averaging close to 19 points and 7 rebounds per game.
Nov. 17: vs. New York Knicks
If John Wall‘s rehab remains the same, the Washington Wizards will likely miss their point guard against the Knicks.
Still, the Knicks have continued to struggle, despite the addition of Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. They’re currently 3-6 and remain on the outside looking in.
Realistically, the Wizards should have a legitimate shot at beating the Knicks, with or without Wall in the lineup.
Assuming Bradley Beal is back by then, the Wizards will be equally as deep – whatever that means – as the Knicks. Neither team has an outstanding bench, so the game will be determined by the play of the starting unit.
Beal, Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat should have significant advantages over their respective match ups.
Nov. 19: vs. Miami Heat
The Southeast Division hasn’t been the same since LeBron James parted ways for Cleveland, but the Heat were still a force with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Now that Wade is in Chicago and Bosh’s future is uncertain, the Heat have fell down to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside have led the Heat to a 2-6 record. So far, their youth movement with Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson and Dion Waiters hasn’t panned out.
Whiteside has always dominated against the Wizards and Gortat doesn’t seem to have an answer for the big man.
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Even though the Wizards might have an edge talent-wise, the Heat have a significant upper-hand at the center spot.
Nov. 21: vs. Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is in the process of rebuilding and will likely end up back in the NBA Lottery.
Their franchise player, Devin Booker, has gone through some growing pains.
While he’s putting up 20 points per game, he’s made just 41.9 percent of his total shots and 28.3 percent of his shots from beyond the 3-point arc.
This will mark the first time Jared Dudley returns to the nation’s capital.
Nov. 25: @ Orlando Magic
Washington had a win slip out of their hands against the Magic earlier this season. Wall didn’t play in that contest.
Orlando is currently 3-6 and have went through some lineup changes as well. Their acquisitions have had a difficult time fitting into their system. Serge Ibaka, Bismack Biyombo and Jeff Green haven’t exactly been the greatest of fits. It doesn’t help that the team is loaded with bigs.
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The next five games could put the Washington Wizards back at .500 or at least close to it. The schedule will pick up relatively soon – Washington will take on the Spurs twice and the Thunder over the next few weeks – so capitalizing on these opportunities could make the difference between the playoffs and the couch this summer.