Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Breaking Down Possible First Round Match Ups

See, the Milwaukee Bucks have a very 2015 Wizards feeling to them. They’re athletic, young, and most importantly, hungry.

Giannis Antetokounmpo would arguably be the best player in a series against the Washington Wizards. It never hurts to have the best player on your side, you know? And of course, Khris Middleton, the famed Wizards killed, is a Buck.

Would it be disappointing if the Washington Wizards lost to the Bucks in the first round? Absolutely. It would haunt the team. Would it be surprising? Eh. That’s tough to say. I don’t think so, personally.

The Miami Heat have been the league’s hottest team for a while now, but I’m not sure they have what it takes to win in the playoffs.

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They’re a well coached team, but they lack a true superstar.

Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside will only get you so far. Relying on Dion Waiters in the playoffs seems like a recipe for disaster, too.

The Atlanta Hawks are an interesting case because they look dangerous on paper, but lack real substance on the court.

They tried to plug and play Dwight Howard in for Al Horford, and it hasn’t worked like expected.

Howard is talented – a more intimidating force than Horford – but he’s incredibly flawed.

Paul Millsap is a stud. He’s probably the most underrated player in the NBA. But he can’t do it alone.

Washington will torch Dennis Schroder. He can’t guard Wall, to put it bluntly. And none of their two guards can defend Beal, either. Those advantages are something the Hawks cannot overcome.

That leaves me with the Indiana Pacers – another team that looks good on paper, but disappointing on the court. Paul George is a top 3-and-D player, but the Wizards have the size and length to nullify his production. Porter and Oubre match up well with George. The advantage will be Indiana’s, but it won’t be something the Wizards will lose a series over.

Jeff Teague is no longer an All-Star and will also get torched by Wall. Relying on Myles Turner, a baby at this point in his career, in the playoffs could be scary. Washington just matches up well with them at every position. Talent wise, the Wizards have a significant edge.

Washington could beat every team you mentioned in the Tweet, but the Bucks are the team to avoid. They have nothing to lose, they’re confident and they have a ton of talent.

The Pacers are just disappointing. Their superstar wants to leave and his teammates just aren’t very interesting, really. The Washington Wizards should hope to see them in the first round.